The Regional Investment Framework (RIF) puts into operation the new Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Program Strategic Framework (GMS-SF) (2012–2022) that was approved at the 4th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in December 2011. The RIF translates the strategic directions of the GMS-SF into a pipeline of investment and technical assistance projects for the third decade of the GMS Program, from 2013 to 2022. The RIF covers a wide range of sectors including transport, energy, environment, agriculture, human resource development, information and communication technology, tourism, transport and trade facilitation, and urban development.
As a comprehensive, forward-looking and strategic framework, the RIF embodies the collective aspiration of the GMS countries to expand and deepen their cooperation program in the coming Greater Mekong Subregion decade. The RIF will also remain a living framework that will be regularly reviewed and updated to maintain its relevance and responsiveness as a planning tool for subregional initiatives in an ever- dynamic GMS. Economic Cooperation Program Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022)
Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic 10-11 December 2013
Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Program Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022)
Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic 10-11 December 2013
Contents | iii © 2013 Asian Development Bank
How to reach us: GMS Secretariat Southeast Asia Department Asian Development Bank Fax: +63 2 636 2226 E-mail: [email protected] Web address: http://www.adb.org/countries/gms/main Contents
Abbreviations...... iv Transport...... 1 Energy...... 29 Agriculture...... 41 Environment...... 47 Human Resource Development ...... 55 Urban Development ...... 67 Tourism...... 71 Transport and Trade Facilitation ...... 79 Information and Communication Technology ...... 85 Other Multisector/Cross-Border Economic Zones ...... 89
Contents | iii Abbreviations
ADB – Asian Development Bank MoU – Memorandum of Understanding ADF – Asian Development Fund MTCO – Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office ASEAN – Association of Southeast Asian Nations MW – megawatt(s) BOT – build-operate-transfer MYA – Myanmar CAM – Cambodia NDF – Nordic Development Fund CASP – Core Agriculture Support Program NEDA – Neighboring Countries Economic Development CBEZ – cross-border economic zones Cooperation Agency (Thailand) CBTA – cross-border trade agreement OCR – ordinary capital resources CEP – Core Environment Program PPP – public-private partnership CDM – Clean Development Mechanism PPTA – project preparatory technical assistance CDTA – capacity development technical assistance PRC – People’s Republic of China CTS – credit transfer system PRC Fund – People’s Republic of China Regional Cooperation and DP – development partners Poverty Reduction Fund EOC – Environment Operations Center R-CDTA – regional capacity development technical assistance EVN – Electricité de Viet Nam RETA – regional technical assistance EWEC – East–West Economic Corridor RIF – Regional Investment Framework GEF – Global Environment Fund R-PATA – regional policy and advisory technical assistance GHG – greenhouse gas RPCC – Regional Power Coordination Center GMRA – Greater Mekong Railways Association R-PPTA – regional project preparatory technical assistance GMS – Greater Mekong Subregion RPTCC – Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (GMS) GMS-IS – Greater Mekong Subregion– Information Superhighway SEF – Subregional Energy Forum GMS-SF – GMS Strategic Framework SEZ – special economic zone HRD – Human Resource Development SFAP – strategic framework and action plan ICT – Information and Communication Technology SME – small and medium-sized enterprises ILO – International Labour Organization SOM – Senior Officials Meeting JICA – Japan International Cooperation Agency SPS – sanitary and phytosanitary km – kilometer(s) TA – technical assistance km2 – square kilometers TASF – Technical Assistance Special Fund kV – kilovolt(s) TBD – to be determined Lao PDR – Lao People’s Democratic Republic TD-LTE – time-division long-term evolution LCP – Laem Chabang Port T&D – transmission and distribution iv | Abbreviations THA – Thailand TSS – Tourism Sector Strategy TTF – Transport and Trade Facilitation TVET – technical and vocational education and training TWG – Tourism Working Group VIE – Viet Nam WGA – Working Group on Agriculture WGE – Working Group on Environment
Abbreviations | v
Transport
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects: Transport | 1 I. Investment Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority)
A. CAMBODIA NVESTMENT PROJECTS Road Infrastructure 1. Poipet–Aranyaprathet New Cambodia and Thailand have agreed in principle to a new TBD TBD High Road with Cross-Border location for the Poipet–Aranyaprathet border crossing to Facilities (CAM Part) accommodate freight traffic. Passenger traffic would continue to use the existing border crossing. The new freight traffic crossing will require a new southerly bypass road, which would comprise about 2 kilometers (km) of four-lane roadway in Cambodia and about 17.6 km in Thailand (primarily along a new alignment). New border-crossing buildings and other facilities will also be built, on both sides of the border.
The two countries requested that ADB provide a TA to study and give recommendations on the border-control and management- facilities component of the project, as well as on the specific location and alignment of the new road link. 2. Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville The proposed 209 km expressway project would follow a TBD 1,000.0 High Highway Corridor new alignment between routes NR4 and NR3, starting along Improvements NR4, and in general following a corridor to the west of NR4. The preliminary scope for this project is the build-operate- transfer (BOT) model with a 50-year concession period. When completed, this will be the first controlled-access highway in Cambodia, and will provide a high-capacity road link to the port city of Sihanoukville and to the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Southern Coastal Corridor. 3. Sihanoukville Port Access The project will improve the final 9.5 km (approximately) of NR4 TBD 40.0 High Road Improvements leading to the port of Sihanoukville.
This may be included in the special economic zone (SEZ) project of Sihanoukville port, financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
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2 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 4. GMS: Deepening Connectivity The major objectives of the project are to upgrade a connecting 2014 120.0 High of Southern Economic Corridor road section in Cambodia from Battambang to Siem Reap and (SEC) Project to improve the cross-border facility (CBF) at Pailin.
The project will rehabilitate a 75 km road section between Battambang and Siem Reap, creating a stronger link between Pailin and Siem Reap, in order to meet transport demand. It will also rehabilitate the existing small CBF in Pailin, bringing it up to the standard of the GMS Cross-Border Transport Agreement (CBTA).
The project will deepen subregional connectivity in the SEC among the three countries: Cambodia, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
The design will be completed in November 2013 with the feasibility study final report. Rail Infrastructure 5. Construction of Poipet (CAM)– The proposed bridge will replace an existing unserviceable 2013–2014 0.5 High Klong Loeuk (THA) Railway rail bridge at the Poipet–Aranyaprathet border-crossing point (Grant from THA) Bridge between Cambodia and Thailand. 6. Study to Construct a Priority The railway project is intended to establish rail access to the 2014–2020 1.0 High Railway Access to New Phnom planned New Phnom Penh Port, which is located 25 km away (Grant) Penh Port (53 km) from the Mekong River in southeast Phnom Penh. The railway access project comprises a new route with a length of 53 km, branching out from the signal station along the South Line of the Cambodia Railway. The project is needed for the efficient operation of the new port. 7. Railway from Batdoeung A feasibility study was completed in 2008. A BOT-type 2015–2020 1,100.0 High (Cambodia) to Lock Ninh investment is being studied. (Viet Nam), 257 km Awaiting the feasibility study to update project information. (See the Viet Nam pipeline for a related project on the Viet Nam side.)
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Regional Investment FrameworkTransport: Pipeline Investment of Potential Projects Projects: (Cambodia) Transport | 3 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Other Infrastructure (e.g., cross-border facilities, inland container terminals, etc.) 8. Construction of Multipurpose This is the Multipurpose Terminal Development at Sihanoukville 2013–2016 90.0 High Terminal in Sihanoukville port, about 240 km from Phnom Penh.
Terminal specifications: Dry bulk cargo terminal: 260 meters (m) × 330 m; depth: 13.5 m; able to accommodate vessels of 40,000 tons (t).
Terminal for oil exploration logistics base—length: 200 m; depth: 7.5 m; logistics base yard: 26,900 square meters (m²). Subtotal (Investment Projects: Cambodia) 2,351.5
B. People’s Republic of China Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Road Infrastructure 1. Longling–Ruili Expressway The 163 km expressway between Longling and Ruili is now 2012–2015 1,750.0 High under construction. Its opening will mark the full completion (Including of the section within the People’s Republic of China (PRC) of $250.0 million in the Kunming (PRC)–Kyaukpyu (MYA) corridor. ADB loans)
As to the construction of the Ruili–Kyaukpyu section, the PRC has already invested RMB50 million in its overall planning and in the feasibility study report by the two countries’ joint working group.
The completion of this corridor will not only further enhance road connectivity between the PRC and Myanmar and promote economic growth along the route, it will effectively expand and enrich the existing connectivity network in the GMS.
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4 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 2. Jinghong–Daluo Expressway The project is an important part of the North–South Corridor 2017–2020 2,040.0 High (Kunming–Daluo–Tachilek–Chiang Rai), and has already been incorporated into the PRC’s Planning for the National Expressway Network (G8512), including a total length of 110 km, four lanes, and the border control point at Menghai (PRC).
The existing road along the corridor links Daluo, in the PRC; northern Myanmar; and Tachilek, in Myanmar; as well as Chiang Rai, in Thailand; but it is in poor condition. A renovation of this road or the construction of a new road will improve transport connectivity among the PRC, Myanmar, and Thailand; and will boost the development of the economy, trade, tourism, etc. Meanwhile, the completed corridor will serve as a strong complement to the Kunming–Bangkok Highway, and will provide more options for the movement of people and cargo within the region. 3. Yunnan Pu’er Regional The project consists of (i) Pu’er City rural road construction TBD 500.0 High Integrated Road Network (upgrading 600 km of rural earthen roads to Class IV (Preparatory (Including Development Project highways); (ii) the rehabilitation of the Ning’er–Jiangcheng– work already $200.0 million of Longfu road (upgrading 253 km of roads to Class III and IV launched in ADB-financed funds) highways); and (iii) the construction of the Simao–Ning’er road 2013) (50 km of Class II highways).
The implementation of the project will contribute to inclusive growth and regional integration by connecting isolated rural communities and border areas to the regional road network and by providing infrastructure to support trade and regional cooperation among the PRC, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, and Viet Nam. Continued on next page
Regional InvestmentTransport: Framework Investment Pipeline Projects of (People’sPotential Projects:Republic Transportof China) | 5 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Rail Infrastructure 4. Dali–Ruili Railway Running from Dali Railway Station to Ruili via Baoshan, this TBD 4,700.0 High 330 km line is connected with the Guangtong–Dali railway, and is an important section of the western route of the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link (SKRL). This project is crucial to the completion of the SKRL’s western route, the establishment of the Third Euro–Asia Continental Land Bridge, and the development of the GMS.
Technical specifications: Class I line, electrified, with a maximum speed of 140 kilometers per hour (km/h) for passenger trains.
The construction of the Dali–Baoshan section, which is 133.6 km, started in June 2008. The Baoshan–Ruili section, included in the 12th Five-Year Plan, is in its initial phase, and will be started at the suitable time. 5. Yuxi–Mohan Railway Running form Yuxi West Railway Station to Mohan via TBD 7,700.0 Medium Xishuangbanna, this 511 km line links up with the Kunming–Yuxi railway. Once it is connected with railways of other countries in the region, this route will be the most direct from the PRC to the ASEAN countries. As a section of SKRL’s middle route, this line is crucial to the establishment of an ASEAN–China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the economic development of the GMS subregion, and to the formation of a modern integrated transport network.
Technical specifications: Class I line, electrified, with a maximum speed of 160 km/h for passenger trains; double track from Yuxi to Xishuangbanna; single track from Xishuangbanna to Mohan, while reserved for upgrade to double track.
This project is included in the 12th Five-Year plan, and will be started in accordance with the social and economic development within the PRC and the railway development of neighboring countries.
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6 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Inland Waterways 6. Further Maintenance and Under the framework of the Agreement on Commercial TBD TBD High Improvement of the Upper Navigation of the Lancang-Mekong River, signed by the PRC, (depending on Mekong River Navigation Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand, the Chinese government the availability Channel from the PRC has provided $5 million for the improvement of the Upper of funding) (at Landmark 243) and Mekong River navigation channel—from the PRC (at Myanmar to Luang Prabang, Landmark 243) and Myanmar to Houayxay, in the Lao PDR. in the Lao PDR The Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand have expressed their hope that the PRC could, under the agreement, extend the navigable channel down to Luang Prabang, in Lao PDR, and continue to offer funding for Phase II of the maintenance and improvement of the Upper Mekong River navigation channel. The Fourth Summit of the GMS Economic Cooperation Program, held in Myanmar in December 2011, recognized the further maintenance and improvement of the Upper Mekong River navigation channel as an important part of its regional connectivity project. To implement this decision, the PRC will provide funds to enable the four countries to jointly formulate the mid- and long-term planning for the development of international navigation of the Lancang-Mekong River and to study measures for further strengthening navigation safety.
The implementation of the project will ensure the navigational safety of the Upper Mekong River navigation channel, promote the development of international navigation among the four countries, and enhance connectivity within the region. Subtotal (Investment Projects: PRC) 16,690.0
Regional InvestmentTransport: Framework Investment Pipeline Projects of (People’sPotential Projects:Republic Transportof China) | 7 C. Lao People’s Democratic Republic Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Road Infrastructure 1. Upgrading of NR1A (Portion NR 1 starts from the Lao–Chinese border-crossing point at 2013–2016 91.0 High from Lantui to Bounneau, Lantui, in Phongsaly Province, then runs down through the (Soft loan from China 145 km) central part of the country, and ends up at the Lao–Cambodian Export-Import Bank border in Muong Phouvong, in Attapeu Province. There is a need [Exim Bank]) to upgrade this road to facilitate the import and export of goods between the PRC and the Lao PDR. 2. Upgrading NR13 (Portion NR13 is the main artery road, and the national backbone in 2014–2016 82.0 High from Oudomxay to Pakmong, terms of road transport in the country, running north–south for (Grant from the PRC) 82 km) a total length of 1,543 km. Many sections need to be upgraded to meet the traffic demand and ASEAN standards. The section from Oudomxay to Pakmong, in particular, is now becoming a serious traffic bottleneck on the route to the northern part of the country, and especially to the southern PRC. 3. Upgrading NR13N and N13S NR13N connects the capital, Vientiane, to the country’s 2015–2020 280.0 High (Portion through Vang Vieng– northern provinces, and NR13S to the southern provinces. (PPP) Vientiane Capital–Thabok, As the portion of the existing road from Vang Vien–Vientiane 130 km) Capital–Thabok was built almost 2 decades ago, it needs to be upgraded and widened into a four-lane road to cope with ASEAN Highways AH11 the growing economy and to meet the traffic demand. The (NR13S) = 861 km Government of the Lao PDR is now considering upgrading this road portion through a public–private partnership (PPP) scheme. The ongoing study and detailed design is supported by the World Bank. 4. Upgrading of NR8 (132 km) NR8 branches off from NR13S at Ban Lao, passing through 2014–2018 80.0 High East–West Transport Route the districts of Kamkeuth and Laksao before reaching the Lao– Viet Nam border crossing point at Namphao–Cau Treo; from ASEAN Highway AH15 = there it connects to Cua Lo Seaport, in Vinh, Viet Nam. The road 132 km does not meet ASEAN standards. This portion of the road has been included in the ASEAN Master Plan for Connectivity for upgrading.
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8 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 5. Luang Prabang–Samneua The Second Northern GMS Transport Network Improvement 2015–2020 70.0 High Project will provide a link between the North–South Corridor Second Northern GMS (Kunming–Bangkok) with the Central Corridor (Kunming– Transport Network Vientiane–Phnom Penh–Ho Chi Minh City) and the Eastern Improvement Project Corridor (Kunming–Ha Noi–Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh City). 6. Luang Prabang–Dien Bien Luang Prabang and Dien Bien Phu are both historic sites and 2013–2017 90.0 High Phu (107 km) tourist attractions. Providing road connections will promote (Soft loan from tourism between the two countries. Viet Nam) Under Lao PDR–Viet Nam Bilateral Assistance
7. Muong Ngeune–Chomphet– This tourism corridor extends from Chiang Rai–Chiang Mai– 2015–2019 90.0 High Luang Prabang (120 km) Luang Prabang (Chiang Thong)–Vientiane. The section from (NEDA-Thailand) Muong Ngeune–Chomphet–Luang Prabang is part of this initiative. If a good road is in place, it will promote trade, investment, and tourism. 8. Muong Ngeune–Xieng Hone– This road project supports the socioeconomic development 2018–2022 150.0 High Muong Kob–Pak Tha of northern Sayabouly Province. It also provides provincial (NEDA-Thailand) (175 km) connectivity, particularly between Sayabouly and Bokeo–Luang Namtha, and with southern PRC. 9. Pakse–Champassak–Muong This road project starts from the Lao–Japan Friendship Bridge, at 2013–2018 120.0 High Khong 14A (152 km) Pakse, and passes through Wat Phou–Champassak (a UNESCO (Private investment) World Heritage Site) to the Lao–Cambodian border. This road serves the very fertile rice farmland area, in Champassak Province. It could also connect with Angkor Wat, in Siem Reap, if a bridge across the Selamphao River were in place. Both sides, the Lao PDR and Cambodia, are considering the most suitable border-crossing points for a bridge spanning the Selamphao River. About 25 km of this road is completed and open to traffic; work on the remaining 142 km is in progress.
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RegionalTransport: Investment Investment Framework Projects Pipeline (Lao ofPeople’s Potential Democratic Projects: Republic)Transport | 9 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 10. Phiafay–Attapeu: NR18A The whole of NR18 comprises NR18A and NR18B: 2013–2016 130.0 High (150 km) - NR18A branches off, starting from the junction with NR13S, (Private investment) in Phiafay, and ending in Muong Samakheexay, capital of ASEAN Highway: AH132 = Attapeu Province. 261 km - NR18B starts from Muong Samakheexay and passes through Beu Ee, the Lao PDR–Viet Nam border-crossing point. East–West Transport Route 11. Luang Namtha–Xiengkok– NR17 is located in the Province of Luang Namtha, in the Lao 2013–2018 150.0 High Lao–Myanmar Friendship PDR. This road starts from Muong Luang Namtha, the capital (Private investment) Bridge: NR17 (140 km) city of Luang Namtha Province, passes through Muang Sing and Muang Long, and then connects with the Lao–Myanmar Friendship Bridge. This road is the portion of the ASEAN–India corridor that passes through Myanmar, northern Lao PDR, and Ha Noi and then runs down to Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia. The cost of the construction of the Lao–Myanmar Friendship Bridge is to be shared equally between the Lao PDR and Myanmar. Rail Infrastructure 12. Detailed Feasibility Study The Vientiane–Thakhek–Muya Railway Project covers a portion 2014–2016 15.0 Medium and Detailed Design of of the spur line of the Singapore–Kunming Railway Link (SKRL). (Study) (Request for grant Vientiane–Thakhek–Muya This spur line will connect the Thai railway network to the from the Republic of Railway Project (480 km) Vietnamese railway network. The Republic of Korea has assisted Korea) with a pre-feasibility study. Further studies are needed, in particular, a detailed feasibility study and detailed design. 13. Thanalaeng–Nongkai Railway Funding for the Thanalaeng–Nongkai Railway Extension Project 2013–2015 50.0 High Extension Project (4 km) has been obtained from NEDA of Thailand. The project is under (NEDA-Thailand) the bidding process to select supervision consultants and the contractor to carry out the works as planned. 14. Vientiane–Boten Railway Under the Sino–Lao Cooperation Scheme, the Vientiane–Boten 2014–2022 7,200.0 Medium Project (420 km) Railway Project is going through its final technical design review. (Soft loan from China The train speed has been reduced from high speed to about Exim Bank) 200 km/h, and the financial negotiation is also underway. Continued on next page
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10 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 15. Savannakhet–Lao Bao The Lao government had signed an agreement with a Malaysian 2013–2043 4,200.0 Low Railway Project (220 km) company to develop the Savannakhet–Lao Bao Railway Project (BOOT–Giant Group as a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) scheme. from Malaysia) Bridges 16. Mekong River Bridge at The governments of Lao PDR and Myanmar have agreed to 2013–2015 23.0 High Xiengkok (Lao PDR)–Kainglap jointly finance (50% each) the construction of the International (Joint 50:50 (Myanmar) Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River at Xiengkok (Lao investment by the Lao Along the ASEAN–India side) and Kainglap (Myanmar side). PDR and Myanmar) Highway 17. Mekong River at Pakbeng The NR2 starts at the Lao–Thailand border-crossing point at 2013–2016 54.0 High Along NR2 Houay Kone, and then goes to Muong Ngeune, Pakbeng, (Soft loan from China Oudomxay, Muong Khoa, and to the Taichang border-crossing Exim Bank) point on the Lao–Viet Nam border. The construction of NR2W was completed, financed by NEDA of Thailand; and NR2E was also completed, financed by a special soft loan from Viet Nam. The Mekong Bridge at Pakbeng is the missing link along the NR2. When the bridge is in place, it will promote the movement of goods and people between northern Thailand and northern Viet Nam via northern Lao PDR. 18. Mekong Bridge at Paklay The Mekong Bridge at Paklay will provide a permanent link for 2014–2017 25.0 High road transport from Vientiane to Sayabouly Province, through (Soft loan from Vientiane Province, alongside the Mekong River. In addition, the Austria for super- road from Phou Dou (Thai side) to Paklay, financed by NEDA, is structure) completed. It will provide another short link from Vientiane to Chiang Mai. 19. Mekong Bridge at Luang The project will develop a tourism corridor between Lao PDR and 2016–2020 90.0 High Prabang Thailand, in particular from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Luang (Soft loan from China Prabang, and Vientiane Capital. The road project from Muong Exim Bank) Ngeune to Luang Prabang, which traverses the Mekong Bridge at Luang Prabang, is part of this initiative.
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RegionalTransport: Investment Investment Framework Projects Pipeline (Lao ofPeople’s Potential Democratic Projects: Republic)Transport | 11 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 20. Mekong Bridge at Paksan– This will be the Fifth Lao–Thai International Friendship Bridge 2014–2018 TBD High Bungkane (with Thailand) across the Mekong River, in this case between Muong Paksan, (Request grant from Bolikhamxay Province (Lao side), and Amphoe Muong, Chang Thailand) Wat, and Bungkane (Thai side). This bridge will facilitate the road transport of goods and passengers from northeastern Thailand through central Lao PDR and central Viet Nam via NR8. Thailand is now considering providing assistance for a feasibility study and detailed design of the project. 21. Selamphao Bridge, This bridge project is located at the end point of NR14A, which 2014–2018 30.0 High at the end of NR14A runs from Pakse to Wat Phou–Champassak (World Heritage (Joint 50:50 between Lao PDR and Site), and to the Lao–Cambodian border. NR14A could investment by the Lao Cambodia connect with Angkor Wat, in Siem Reap, if a bridge across PDR and Cambodia) the Selamphao River were in place. Both sides, Lao PDR and Cambodia, are considering the most suitable border-crossing points, and will jointly construct a bridge across Selamphao River. 22. Mekong Bridge for Under the Sino–Lao Cooperation Scheme, a railway bridge will 2015–2020 TBD High Thanalaeng–Nongkai Railway be built to accommodate the standard gauge at Thanalaeng– (Soft loan) Project Nongkai. The site for the bridge has been selected by officials from both sides.
Thailand did not include the railway bridge in its pipeline. Other Infrastructure (e.g., cross-border facilities, inland container terminals, etc.) Border-Crossing Facilities 23. Nam Phao Border-Crossing These facilities are located at the Lao PDR–Viet Nam border- 2014–2016 8.0 High Point (NR8) crossing points on NR8 in Bolikhamxay Province. The existing border-crossing facilities do not meet the implementation requirements of the Greater Mekong Subregion Cross-Border Transport Agreement (GMS CBTA).
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12 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 24. Na Phao Border-Crossing These facilities are located at the Lao PDR–Viet Nam border- 2014–2016 10.0 High Point (NR12) crossing points on NR12 in Khammouane Province. After the Third International Friendship Bridge opens for transit traffic through Thailand, the Lao PDR, and Viet Nam, traffic will increase. The existing border-crossing facilities do not meet the implementation requirements of the GMS CBTA. 25. Lalay Border-Crossing Point These facilities are located at the Lao PDR–Viet Nam border- 2015–2018 12.0 High (NR15) crossing points on NR15 in Salavan Province. The existing border-crossing facilities do not meet the implementation requirements of the GMS CBTA. 26. Dak Chung Border-Crossing These facilities are located at the Lao PDR–Viet Nam border- 2016–2018 10.0 High Point (NR16) crossing points on NR16 in Sekong Province. The existing border-crossing facilities do not meet the implementation requirements of the GMS CBTA. 27. Vang Tao Border-Crossing These facilities are located at the Lao PDR–Thailand border- 2014–2017 15.0 High Point crossing points at Vang Tao and Chong Mek, on NR16. The existing border-crossing facilities do not meet the implementation requirements of the GMS CBTA. 28. Thanaleng Border-Crossing The Thanaleng border crossing operates in a very restrictive and 2014–2017 25.0 High Infrastructure Improvement inefficient manner with regard to both passenger and freight Project traffic. Daily freight traffic exceeds 300 trucks; and passenger car and bus traffic is reportedly in excess of 1,000 vehicles per day. There is a need not only to separate freight traffic from passenger traffic, but also to significantly improve and upgrade the road and other infrastructure at this location. Port Infrastructure: River Ports 29. Xiengkok River Port Xiengkok is a small village in Long District, Luang Namtha 2014–2017 15.0 High Province, located on the Mekong River. It has a suitable place in which to build a river port. Under the Quadrilateral Agreement on the Commercial Navigation on Upper Mekong–Langcang River (PRC–Lao PDR–Myanmar–Thailand), it is agreed that Xiengkok port will be a checkpoint for downstream river traffic from the PRC to Chiang Saen port, in Thailand. This port needs to be constructed to meet the growing trade activities and passenger traffic, and should be equipped with necessary handling equipment, immigration and customs offices, and warehouses.
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RegionalTransport: Investment Investment Framework Projects Pipeline (Lao ofPeople’s Potential Democratic Projects: Republic)Transport | 13 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 30. Ban Mom River Port Ban Mom is a small village in Ton Pheuang District, Bokeo 2014–2017 12.0 High Province, located on the Mekong River. Ban Mom has a suitable place in which to build a river port. Under the Quadrilateral Agreement on the Commercial Navigation on Upper Mekong– Langcang River (PRC–Lao PDR–Myanmar–Thailand), it is agreed that Ban Mom port will be a checkpoint for upstream river traffic from Chiang Saen port, in Thailand, to the PRC. This port needs to be constructed to meet the growing trade activities and passenger traffic, and should be equipped with necessary handling equipment, immigration and customs offices, and warehouses. 31. Houei Sai River Port As inland transport is becoming important, especially for 2015–2018 13.0 Low tourism, there is a need to build this river port. 32. Pakbeng River Port The town of Pakbeng is located on the Mekong River, on NR2. It 2015–2018 15.0 Low is on the border between Sayabouly and Oudomxay provinces, and at the midpoint between Bokeo and Luang Prabang. As inland transport is becoming important, especially for tourism, there is a need to build this river port. 33. Luang Prabang River Port Inland water transport traffic between Bokeo and Luang 2015–2018 15.0 Low Prabang, in terms of goods and passengers, is growing steadily. There is an urgent need to construct a good river port in Luang Prabang that has necessary handling equipment and warehouses.
Subtotal (Investment Projects: Lao PDR) 13,170.0
14 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) D. Myanmar Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Road Infrastructure 1. East–West Economic Corridor This project focuses on a key route, not only for the GMS, 2015 130.0 High Eindu-Kawkareik Road but also for the Trilateral Highway and the ASEAN and Asian (ADB, others) Improvement (68.4 km) highways. It is on the principal section of the National Highway, and must be upgraded to ASEAN Class II standards. 2. Loilem–Kyaington Road This is the road section of GMS route R7 and also of the Asian 2014–2018 359.0 High Section (359 km) (GMS and ASEAN highways. It will link with the North–South Economic Road Section of R7 and Corridor and the Northern Economic Corridor as a secondary Secondary Road of Corridor) road. It must be upgraded to ASEAN Class III standards. 3. Thaton–Payagyi Road The expected components of this 151 km, two-lane road 2016–2021 128.0 Low Improvement Project improvement project will primarily consist of road repairs and upgrading throughout most of the road’s length, with major reconstruction and widening through the towns of Bilin, Kyaikto, and Payagyi, including a possible grade-separated interchange with NR1 at Payagyi. 4. Thilawa–East Dagon Road This 32.8 km, four-lane divided roadway connects the Thilawa 2016–2018 41.0 Medium Improvement Project port area with Highway No. 2. The components of the project are: (i) the reconstruction of 5.5 km of the currently partially improved four-lane divided road; (ii) widening of 16.5 km of a recently constructed two-lane road into a four-lane divided typical section, along with the construction of additional two- lane bridges; (iii) resurfacing and minor repairs of the 1.4 km Thanlyin Bridge, including a verification of the original bridge design and as-built drawings, and a complete detailed bridge- condition survey; and (iv) the reconstruction and widening of a northerly 9.4 km section of the two-lane road connection with Highway No. 2. 5. East Dagon–NR1 Road This 31.1 km road section is entirely along Highway No. 2. The 2016–2018 58.0 Low Improvement Project whole length will need to be reconstructed into a new four-lane divided highway configuration. The existing right-of-way appears to vary between 30 meters (m) and 40 m, and it is likely that some additional right-of-ways will need to be acquired along parts of this road section, primarily in built-up areas.
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Regional Investment FrameworkTransport: Pipeline Investmentof Potential Projects Projects: (Myanmar) Transport | 15 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 6. Ruili (PRC)–Kyaukpyu The road will promote connectivity between the PRC and 2015/16– 1,000.0 High (Myanmar) Highway Myanmar, and will improve the road network of the region. 2018/19 The PRC and Myanmar have had some technical exchanges concerning the project. 7. Daluo (PRC)–Tachilek This project involves the improvement of an existing highway, 2014–2018 93.0 High (Myanmar) Highway which is the part of GMS North South Economic corridor as well as a part of ASIAN & ASEAN Highway in Myanmar, linking with PRC to the north and Thailand to the south. This highway is also one of the major border trade routes between Myanmar and Thailand via Tachileik.
The improvement will consist of upgrading the Kyaington– Monglar road (93 km) along this highway into ASEAN class II highway. Rail Infrastructure 8. Bago–Dawei Track Upgrading This project will improve the Bago–Dawei line, and will improve 2016–2020 100.0 Medium Project (507 km) the track quality and punctuality of the trains. The line is dependent on the possible Bangkok–Dawei rail link. Without this link, traffic would be limited, and would be entirely national. Bridges 9. Bridge on the Kyaington– The service life of the Tarkaw (Thanlwin) Bridge (bank-to-bank 2013–2016 15.8 High Lyainglin–Taunggyi Road 900 ft.) is about 40 years, and its load capacity is only HS-20– (AH2) 44. A new bridge of four lanes with an HS-25 load capacity is proposed. The type of bridge will be specified after the feasibility study. 10. Chaunghneikkcwa–Hlaingbwe Attran Bridge (bank-to-bank 500 ft.) is in Chaunghneikkcwa, 2013–2016 5.2 High (Kawkareik) Road and has two lanes. Z-Craft boats are still used.
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16 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 11. Mekong River Bridge at The governments of Lao PDR and Myanmar have agreed to 2013–2015 16.0 High Xiengkok (Lao PDR)–Kainglap jointly finance (50% each) the construction of the International (Joint 50:50 (Myanmar) Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River at Xiengkok (Lao investment in the PDR side) and Kainglap (Myanmar side). construction of the Along the ASEAN-India main bridge between Highway the Lao PDR and Myanmar) Other Infrastructure (e.g., cross-border facilities, inland container terminals, etc.) 12. Mae Sot–Myawaddy Border The Government of Thailand is studying a new road bypass and TBD 30.0 High Crossing Project and bridge to the north of the existing border crossing, at Mae Sot (To be financed by Infrastructure Improvements (THA)–Myawaddy (MYA), currently located in the congested Thailand) (Myanmar part) centers of the two border cities. This new crossing would be dedicated to cross-border freight traffic. The bypass would link with a newly envisioned special trade zone on the Myanmar side. The overall project would include about 16.9 km of a new four-lane divided highway (13.3 km in Thailand; 3.6 km in Myanmar), a 100 m-long bridge across the Moei River at the border, and associated border-crossing facilities.
The estimated total cost is about $60 million (B1,750 million) for the combined sections in both countries. Port Infrastructure: River Ports 13. Improvement of Inland Ports This project refers to the construction of four inland ports 2014–2016 60.0 Medium on the Ayeyarwaddy River (Bhamo, Mandalay, Pokokku, and Magway) and two inland ports on the Chindwin River (Monywa and Kalewa). The objective of the project is to improve the transportation and handling of domestic and international cargo and containers. Studies are required, including of river behavior, for year-round operations. Subtotal (Investment Projects: Myanmar) 2,036.0
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Regional Investment FrameworkTransport: Pipeline Investmentof Potential Projects Projects: (Myanmar) Transport | 17 E. Thailand
Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Road Infrastructure 1. Aranyaprathet–Poipet New Recent discussions between the offices of the prime ministers TBD TBD Medium Road with Border-Crossing of Cambodia and Thailand have resulted in an agreement in Facilities (Thailand part) principle on a new location for the Aranyaprathet–Poipet border crossing to accommodate freight traffic. Passenger traffic would continue to use the existing border- crossing point. The new freight traffic border crossing will require a new road link in Cambodia, a new road link in Thailand, and new cross-border facilities (CBFs) on both sides of the border. 2. Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi The project will prepare motorway network improvements to 2014 300.0 High Intercity Motorway Project attract private sector participation. The project outcome will be a suitably designed financing modality for the Bang Yai– Kanchanaburi Motorway project. A study will help the Thai government determine the most appropriate financing modality for motorway development. 3. Mae Sot–Myawaddy Border The Thai government is studying a new road bypass and bridge TBD TBD High Crossing Project and to the north of the existing border crossing, currently located Infrastructure Improvements in the congested centers of two border cities, Mae Sot and Myawaddy. This new crossing would be dedicated to cross- border freight traffic, and would avoid the congested urban areas of the two cities. The bypass would link with a newly envisioned special trade zone on the Myanmar side. The overall project would consist of about 17-20 km of new four-lane divided highway (14-17 km in Thailand; 3.6 km in Myanmar), a bridge across the Moei River at the border, and associated border-crossing facilities.
The estimated total cost is about $60 million (B1,750 million) for the combined sections in both countries. 4. Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong The project will improve highway capacity and resolve the 2014 80.0 High Highway Improvement bottleneck on the North–South Economic Corridor (NSEC) in (B2,380 million) Project Thailand.
This project will upgrade the existing road from two to four lanes; total length is 80 km.
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18 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 5. Tak–Mae Sot Highway The project will improve highway capacity and resolve the 2014 90.0 High Improvement Project bottleneck on the East–West Economic Corridor (EWEC) in (B2,650 million) Thailand.
This project will upgrade the existing road from two to four lanes; total length is 90 km. 6. Lomsak–Phetchabun The project will improve highway capacity and resolve the 2014 120.0 High Highway Improvement bottleneck on the EWEC in Thailand. (B3,600 million) Project This project will upgrade the existing road from two to four lanes; total length is 120 km. 7. Kalasin–Nakrai–Kamcha The project will improve highway capacity and resolve the 2014 140.0 High I Highway Improvement bottleneck on the EWEC in Thailand. (B4,150 million) Project This project will upgrade the existing road from two to four lanes; total length is 140 km. Bridges 8. Mekong Bridge at This will be the Fifth Thai–Lao International Friendship Bridge 2014 TBD Medium Bungkane–Paksan (with Lao across the Mekong River, in this case between Amphoe Muang, PDR) Bungkane Province (Thai side), and Muong Paksan, Bolikhamxay Province (Lao PDR side). This bridge will facilitate the road transport of goods and passengers from northeastern Thailand through central Lao PDR and central Viet Nam via NR8.
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Regional Investment FrameworkTransport: Pipeline ofInvestment Potential ProjectsProjects: (Thailand) Transport | 19 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Rail Infrastructure 9. The Construction of a New The project will construct a new doubling track from Den Chai to 2014 2,582.0 High Railway Line from Den Chai Chiang Rai as part of the development of railway networks and to Chiang Rai and Chiang a rail transportation system to diminish the country‘s logistics Khong costs and fuel imports; enhance the convenience, speed, and safety of passenger travel; support integration with neighboring transportation systems, including those in the Lao PDR and southern PRC; and spread the benefits of this development, including greater prosperity, to the northern provincial areas, such as Phayao, Phare, and Chiang Rai, thereby contributing to the overall economic growth of the country.
Length of the railway line is 325 km. 10. The Construction of a In 1989, the Thai government decided to improve the 2015 1,410.0 High New Railway Line from nationwide rail network. One important step toward network (For study and Baan Pai (Khon Kaen) to expansion was a study concerning a possible new line through design) Mahasarakham, Roi Et, Bua Yai, Mukdahan, and Nakhon Phanom, which are all on the Mukdahan, and Nakhon EWEC. Phanom Circumstances led to another study, this one on the feasibility of the construction of a new railway line that would be integrated into and properly connected with the EWEC. This new updated study was significant, as it represented one of the milestones of rail infrastructure expansion along the EWEC, which will be able to link with GMS countries in the future. The results of the study showed that this new route should be constructed as the doubling track on a new alignment: Baan Pai (Khon Kaen)–Mahasarakham–Roi Et –Mukdahan–Nakhon Phanom. For the time being, the State Railway Authority of Thailand (SRT) is in the process of carrying out its detailed design study of the new route alignment, which will be able to connect with the Second Thai–Laos Mekong Friendship Bridge, at Mukdahan, and the Third Thai–Lao Mekong Friendship Bridge, at Nakon Phanom. Continued on next page
20 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Port Infrastructure: Seaports 11. The Laem Chabang Port According to the throughput forecasting, the total containers 2015 TBD High (LCP) Development Project, accommodated in Basin I and Basin II will exceed 10 million Phase 3 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year by 2018, while the maximum capacities of Basin I and Basin II are approximately 11 million TEUs per year. Given the above-mentioned capacities, the development of Basin III will be necessary. For this reason, the LCP will engage in activities to develop the main infrastructure, such as dredging, land reclamation, breakwater, etc.
The purpose will be to accommodate the increasing throughput and strengthen the LCP’s role as a gateway port to the GMS. 12. Coastal Terminal This project would decrease the logistics costs for exporters, 2014 58.5 High Development Project of Laem importers, and logistics providers. The coastal terminal will serve (B1,864 million) Chabang Port domestic waterway transport linked with the LCP.
The project will improve the flow of freight from domestic shipping to international ports, and is thus regional in nature. 13. Single Rail Transfer Operator Currently, approximately 88% of the transport from the LCP to 2015 92.4 High Development Project of Laem the hinterland is via the road system, whereas 9.5% is by rail (B2,945 million) Chabang Port and 2.5% by waterway.
The project will develop infrastructure and necessary facilities for serving the discharging and loading containers transported by rail to the port area. The project would largely help facilitate rail transfer in the future, in response to the completion of the SRT’s double-track construction project. It would increase the handling capacity of rail transport at the LCP from the current 500,000 TEUs/year to 1–2 million TEUs/year.
In order to enhance the logistics network system in the country, the government is focusing on shifting LCP-linked transport of containerized cargo from road to rail and waterway. Subtotal (Investment Projects: Thailand) 4,872.9
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Regional Investment FrameworkTransport: Pipeline ofInvestment Potential ProjectsProjects: (Thailand) Transport | 21 F. Viet Nam Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Road Infrastructure 1. Southern Coastal Corridor This is additional financing for the detailed design and 2013 37.0 High (additional financing) implementation of the subsequent stage 2 of the project, which 25.0 provides the final connection to Cambodia. (ADB)
12.0 (Australia) 2. Central Mekong Delta The project will improve connectivity in the Mekong Delta region. 2013 886.0 High Connectivity It will also provide efficient access from Ho Chi Minh City to the southern coastal region and, through the ongoing GMS 134.0 Southern Coastal Corridor Project, to Cambodia and Thailand. (Australia)
260.0 (Export-Import Bank of Korea [KEXIM])
410.0 (ADB) 3. GMS Kunming–Haiphong The project will construct a 244 km expressway from outer 2014 196.0 High Transport Corridor—Noi Bai– Ha Noi to Lao Cai, on the border with the PRC. Lao Cai Highway (additional 160.0 financing) (ADB)
36.0 (Others) 4. GMS Ben Luc–Long Thanh The project will construct a 57.1 kilometer expressway between 2019 623.0 High Expressway Periodic Ben Luc and Long Thanh, south of Ho Chi Minh City. This is a Financing Request (PFR) 2 section of the GMS Southern Economic Corridor. 286.0 (ADB)
337.0 (Others)
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22 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 5. Second GMS Southern The Second GMS Southern Coastal Corridor Project will 2016 373.0 High Coastal Corridor construct the missing sections of this GMS road corridor in the southern coastal region of Viet Nam. 181.0 (ADB)
19.0 (Gov’t) 6. National Highway 14D The project will improve the highway section (72 km) from Thanh 2018 130.0 High Improvement Project My to the border with the Lao PDR in Quang Nam Province. National Highway 14D is a part of the minimum distance route for freight transportation among Bangkok, Pakse (Lao PDR), and Da Nang (Viet Nam).
7. GMS Ha Noi–Lang Son The Project will construct a 156.6 km expressway between 2018 1,400.0 High Expressway Ha Noi and Huu Nghi, in Lang Son Province, on the border with the PRC’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. 800.0 (ADB)
300.0 (PRC) 8. Second GMS Northern Upgrading Vietnamese National Highway 217 from Do Len to 2016 145.0 High Transport Network Na Meo border gate (in Thanh Hoa Province), and Lao PDR’s Improvement (Luang national highways 6, 6A and 6B. Prabang–Thanh Hoa) (additional financing) 9. GMS Road Corridors The project aims to undertake frequent and periodic 2016 120.0 High Maintenance maintenance for selected GMS corridor sections. The project will have two components: (i) maintenance of road sections; and (ii) construction of 5-6 weight stations on selected road sections. Rail Infrastructure 10. Second Yen Vien–Lao Cai The original project financed by ADB and French Development 2014 149.0 High Railway Upgrading Project, Agency (AFD) is upgrading the Yen Vien–Lao Cai section of including the Railway from the existing railway along the GMS North–South Corridor. The Lao Cai Station to Hekou additional financing will allow the project to be completed. Station (PRC)
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Regional Investment FrameworkTransport: Pipeline Investmentof Potential Projects Projects: (Viet Transport Nam) | 23 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 11. Ho Chi Minh City–Loc Ninh Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (via Loc Ninh) is a part of 2016 900.0 High (Cambodia Border) Railway the Singapore-Kunming Railway Link (SKRL). The project will construct a new railway section of 128 km from Ho Chi Minh City to Loc Ninh. Subtotal (Investment Projects: Viet Nam) 4,959.0 Total (Investment Projects) 44,079.4
II. Technical Assistance ProjectsCAL ASSISTANCE 1. Installation of Navigation Aid This involves upgrading the existing navigation aid equipment 2014–2016 8.0 Medium Equipment for the Ayeyarwaddy and Chindwin rivers.
Participating Country: Myanmar 2. Project Preparatory Technical The TA will prepare a project to improve the highway section 2014 1.0 High Assistance (PPTA) for (72 km) from Thanh My to the border with the Lao PDR, in National Highway 14D Quang Nam Province. Improvement Project
Participating Country: Viet Nam 3. Second GMS Northern The TA will prepare an investment project to upgrade 2016 0.4 High Transport Network Vietnamese National Highway 217 from Do Len to Na Meo Improvement: Luang Prabang border gate (in Thanh Hoa Province), and Lao PDR’s national (LAO)–Thanh Hoa (VIE) highways 6, 6A and 6B. .
Participating Country: Lao PDR, Viet Nam 4. GMS Road Corridors The TA is for the institutional and operational strengthening of 2014 1.2 High Maintenance road maintenance.
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24 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 5. Proposed Hoa Lac–Hoa Binh Lang-Hoa Lac-Hoa Binh Expressway is among the seven 2015 1.0 High City Expressway PPP Project expressways connecting to Ha Noi. The Lang-Hoa Lac section Feasibility Study has been put into operation since October 2010. The Hoa Lac- Hoa Binh section of 33.256 km is in the preparatory stage. Participating Country: Viet Nam 6. Building Institutional Capacity At the 18th GMS Ministerial Conference (December 2012), the 2014 0.2 High at the Greater Mekong countries agreed on the establishment of the GMRA, initially Railway Association (GMRA) as a nonlegal intergovernmental entity. This represented the first important step toward the overall and ultimate objective Participating Country: All of increasing railway connectivity in and beyond the GMS and GMS Countries promoting this efficient, safe and environmentally sustainable transport mode. Once the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the GMRA is finalized and signed by all the countries, ADB will process and approve a TA to support the operations of the GMRA for up to two years. 7. GMS Transport Database This is a project proposed by the transport and logistics TBD TBD Medium Capacity Development assessment study conducted under the regional investment framework (RIF) process. All GMS Countries The project is intended to set up a systematic and coordinated approach to gathering (i) existing cross-border traffic and commodity data; and (ii) existing traffic data for major road corridors, including conducting periodic traffic surveys. The project may be implemented in two steps: (i) a small-scale TA to scope out the required database, including individual country database activities, and a GMS secretariat and coordination function, for a concept paper for a large-scale capacity development TA; (ii) a large-scale standardized and integrated database capacity building assistance targeted at Cambodia, the Lao PDR, and Myanmar, but incorporating data from the PRC, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
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Regional Investment Framework Transport:Pipeline of Technical Potential Assistance Projects: Transport Projects | 25 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 8. Promotion and Application of NEAL-NET is a cooperation mechanism to promote international TBD TBD High the Northeast Asia Logistics logistics information interconnection on the basis of the existing (Dependent on Information Service Network mechanism of the China–Japan–Korea Ministerial Conference the availability of (NEAL-NET) in the GMS on Transport and Logistics, aiming at constructing a logistics funding) information sharing platform covering Asia and beyond. Participating Country: TBD 9. Strategic Study on This improvement and expansion of the existing highway network 2015 TBD High the Development and system, raising it to an advanced highway standard with fully Management of the GMS controlled access, is a key aspect of the strategic plan for GMS Motorway Network System highway development, which seeks to promote cross-border and transit transport. The GMS motorway network system will be the Participating Country: All core system of road connectivity to other modes of transport, GMS Countries border areas, special economic zones, and other high-potential development areas in the GMS countries. The whole system will efficiently reduce travel time, improve road safety, and reduce transport logistics costs. The strategic study should view all the GMS corridors, and consider how they overlay the GMS Motorway Network System. 10. Study on Dry Port Thailand aims to develop Laem Chabang Port (LCP) as a 2014 TBD Medium Development Plan along gateway to neighboring countries in the GMS, and to promote International Railway Lines a modal shift from road to rail transport. Cross-border railway Connecting Thailand with projects have been emphasized by the Government of Viet Nam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and i.e., Nong Khai–Thanaleng–Vientiane, to connect with the Myanmar Lao PDR; Aranyaprathet–Khlong Luk–Poipet, to connect with Cambodia; and Kanchanaburi–Dawei, to connect with Myanmar. Participating Country: Thailand seeks to formulate a clear development plan for Cambodia, Lao PDR, dry ports, which function as cross-border facilities or inland Myanmar, Thailand container terminals, connected via GMS economic corridors. The dry ports should also be maximized by considering connections with other important ports in the GMS, such as Dawei, in Myanmar; Sihanoukville, in Cambodia; and Ho Chi Minh City, in Viet Nam.
A TA study will determine the need for dry ports at strategic rail locations on international borders.
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26 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 11. The Feasibility Study for the The Government of Myanmar and the Thai government signed 2014 3.0 High Rail Link between Laem a memorandum of understanding on 19 May 2011 to expand Chabang Port and Dawei their cooperation in promoting sustainable development in the Deep Sea Port Project Dawei Special Economic Zone and its related project areas. Since railways play an important role in transporting cargo, the Participating Countries: rail links between LCP and Dawei deep sea port will promote Myanmar, Thailand the movement of cargo between the two countries. It seems advisable for Myanmar and Thailand to consider this project as a joint project, and to conduct this feasibility study together so as to create the best outcomes for the GMS and ASEAN. 12. Knowledge Transfer between Thailand’s Department of Highways fulfills its role in providing 2014 0.4 High Thailand and GMS member technical experts, training center facilities, and organizing staff countries on Highway and to various training courses in the areas of road and bridge (TBD) Bridge Standards and engineering to enhance knowledge and exchange experience in Specifications, including road engineering, as well as to brainstorm on road engineering transport facilitation best approaches in order to resolve problems for better formalities solutions leading to sustainable road development in the GMS. Subtotal (TA Projects) 15.2 Total 44,094.0
ADB = Asian Development Bank; AFD = Agence Francaise de Developpement (French Development Agency); ASEAN = Association of Southeast Asian Nations; BOT = build-operate-transfer; BOOT = build-own-operate-transfer; CBF = cross-border facility; China Exim Bank = The Export-Import Bank of China; EWEC = East-West Economic Corridor; FTA = free trade agreement; GMRA = Greater Mekong Railway Association; GMS = Greater Mekong Subregion; GMS CBTA = Greater Mekong Subregion Cross-Border Transport Agreement; JICA = Japan International Cooperation Agency; KEXIM = Export-Import Bank of Korea; km = kilometer(s); km/h = kilometers per hour; Lao PDR = Lao People’s Democratic Republic; LCP = Laem Chabang Port; m = meters; m2 = square meters; MoU = memorandum of understanding; MYA = Myanmar; NEAL-NET = Northeast Asia Logistics Information Service Net; NEDA = Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency; PFR = Periodic Financing Request; PRC = People’s Republic of China; PPP = public-private partnership; PPTA = project preparatory technical assistance; RIF = Regional Investment Framework; SEC = Southern Economic Corridor; SEZ = special economic zone; SRT = State Railway of Thailand; SSTA = small-scale technical assistance; t = ton(s); TA = technical assistance; TBD = to be determined; TEU = 20 foot equivalent unit.
Regional Investment Framework Transport:Pipeline of Technical Potential Assistance Projects: Transport Projects | 27
Energy
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects: Energy | 29 I. Investment Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 1. Design and Funding of This involves completing the north–south 500 kilovolt (kV) 2016–2020 400.0 High a Backbone Grid for the line in the Lao PDR, to enable the Lao national grid to Lao People’s Democratic transmit power across the country and provide high value- Republic (Lao PDR) added services from its hydropower plants to neighbors in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The project will Participating Country: strengthen the capacity of the national system to supply Lao PDR power to economic corridors; and it will support energy access and rural development within the Lao PDR, while stimulating regional power integration in the medium term.
The budget assumes an initial 200 kilometers (km) of a single-circuit line at $1.5 million/km and two substations at $50 million each. This enables the Lao PDR to add an extra $0.01/kilowatt-hour (kWh) to the price of energy converted from 400 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric power plant with a generation of 2 terawatt-hours (TWh)/year. 2. Reinvestigation of Thailand– This will involve reconsidering an interconnection between 2016–2020 278.0 Medium Lao PDR–Viet Nam Thailand and Viet Nam via the Lao PDR, and the Lao (Total for Interconnection PDR–Viet Nam section. It will introduce a step change in LAO–VIE section) the development of the regional power market, and will Participating Countries: lead to reduced reserve requirements, lower costs, and 188.0 (LAO) Lao PDR, Thailand, enhanced confidence in the regional power market. 90.0 (VIE) Viet Nam
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30 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Viet Nam and Thailand are considered to be high domestic-energy-demand countries due to the growth of their domestic economies. Therefore, the construction of backbone transmission facilities between these countries will be very beneficial for the GMS, as it could be used to build the main GMS power grid and for demonstration purposes. A technical study on the transmission line link between Thailand and Viet Nam is necessary to ensure that the interconnection is done according to technical stability requirements. 3. Continued Projects in Rural These projects involve grid extensions according to sound 2014–2017 100.0 Medium Electrification and Off-Grid selection principles, and the implementation of off-grid 50.0 (CAM) Power Development projects where grid extensions are not feasible. The 50.0 (LAO) new GMS strategy calls for enhancing energy access, Participating Countries: particularly to poor, remote areas, through the promotion Cambodia, Lao PDR of best practices in the GMS.
Costs and scheduling are aligned with the completion report for project 31341 (Lao PDR: Northern Area Rural Power Distribution Project), with some increases reflecting inflation. That project installed 268 km of a 115 kilovolt (kV) line with distribution facilities, and connected over 30,000 households. 4. Conventional Rural These programs involve grid extensions in Myanmar 2015–2018 60.0 Medium Electrification Programs based on sound selection principles, including the in Myanmar implementation of off-grid projects where grid extensions are not feasible. This will result in improved welfare Continued on next page Participating Country: and an economic stimulus in poor, remote areas Myanmar while promoting inclusive, sustainable growth, good governance, and capacity development.
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Regional Investment Framework Pipeline ofEnergy: Potential Investment Projects: Projects Energy | 31 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 5. 500 kV Line from This will connect the isolated grid at Mawlamyine to the 2020 640.0 Low Mawlamyine to the Main main grid, thereby bringing the 500 kV Myanmar system Grid closer to the Thai grid for a future interconnection. This will result in lower costs and improved reliability of the Participating Country: power supply in the Mawlamyine area, which will be Myanmar the western terminus of the GMS East–West Economic Corridor (EWEC).
The costs are estimated on the basis of 360 km of a single-circuit 500 kV line at $1.5 million/km and two 500 kV substations at $50 million each. (Tentative routing: Mawlamyine–Thahtone–Bago) 6. Demonstration of This will build pilot plants within a public–private 2018–2020 80.0 Low Second Generation partnership (PPP) framework that will aim to meet (13.3 per GMS Biofuel Technologies and financial targets, successfully demonstrate feasible member country) Associated Biomass Value technologies, and create value chains. Upgrading biofuel Chains technology will reduce conflicts over food security, and will increase rural incomes through novel biomass value Participating Countries: All chains. GMS Countries The schedule is determined by the need for a careful consideration of technological issues and for the selection of private partners. 7. Extension of Energy Access This involves a grid extension from the Thailand and PRC 2017–2020 10.0 Medium in Myanmar from Nodes borders using generation plants in these two countries, (For connection in Thailand and in the following the regional experience in grid extension in to a local isolated People’s Republic of China Cambodia, the Lao PDR, and Viet Nam. grid) (PRC)
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32 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Participating Country: Ideally, such a project would build on the successful 60.0 Myanmar build-operate-transfer (BOT) model of the transmission (If distribution and project in Cambodia (No. 40914). The costs will depend connection have to on the number of distribution facilities and household be carried out) connections in the chosen area. It is likely that there will be few or none, in which case the costs will be much higher, closer to those for a conventional renewable energy project. The schedule allows for the negotiating process of the BOT model. 8. Feasibility Study and This concerns the development of transmission 2020 2.0 Medium Extension of the East– interconnections as part of a concerted and planned (For the feasibility West Energy Corridor to development of energy, transport, urban, and other study) Mawlamyine (as part of infrastructure in the EWEC (specifically, toward the a concerted and planned western terminus of the EWEC, in Mawlamyine). This 250.0–400.0 extension of the EWEC): development will produce a significant stimulus to (For the inter- Myanmar economic development at the western end of the EWEC. connection)
Participating Countries: From Mae Sot (Thailand) to Mawlamyine (Myanmar) is Myanmar, Thailand about 180 km. The cost of a transmission connection 170.0 (MYA) of 500kV with substations will be around $400 million, 80.0 (THA) or $250 million for 230 kV. A feasibility study of the cost-effectiveness of this interconnection as part of a comprehensive economic corridor is needed. The Mae Sot–Mawlamyine connection should be done after the connection of Mawlamyine to the main Myanmar system. 9. Nabong 500 kV Substation The project aims to construct a 500 kV line from Udon 2014 106.0 High Transmission Facility Project Thani (Thailand) to Nabong (Lao PDR), to transfer power from several hydropower projects in the Central-1 area of Participating Country: the Lao PDR to Thailand. These include the Nam Ngum Lao PDR 2, Nam Theun 1, and Nam Ngiep 1 hydropower projects, which have a total installed capacity of over 1,500 MW, largely for export to Thailand. Continued on next page
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline ofEnergy: Potential Investment Projects: Projects Energy | 33 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) The Nabong 500 kV substation and transmission facilities comprise the main power terminal in the northern and central regions of the Lao PDR, used for power transfers from the Nabong Substation, in the Lao PDR, to the Udon Thani 3 Substation, in Thailand. 10. Lao PDR–Viet Nam This project will (i) construct a 59 km 500 kV 2015 218.0 High Power Transmission transmission line and a 230 kV/500 kV substation in 98.0 (LAO) Interconnection Hatxan, in the Lao PDR; and (ii) construct a 94 km 500 120.0 (VIE) (Hatxan–Pleiku) kV transmission line and expand the existing 220 kV/500 kV Pleiku Substation, in Viet Nam. Participating countries: Lao PDR, Viet Nam This project will enable the transmission of 3,157 gigawatt-hours (GWh)/year of electricity that will be produced by eight small hydropower plants (with a total capacity of 1,013 MW) in southern Lao PDR, which will be developed by independent power producers. 11. East–West Corridor The project will build a 115 kV transmission and 2015–2017 50.0 Medium Power Transmission and distribution (T&D) system in the Savannakhet and Distribution Project in the Salavan provinces of the Lao PDR in order to expand Lao PDR the T&D network of Electricité du Laos (EdL). The project is geographically aligned along the EWEC, and provides Participating Country: electricity to towns and villages in the area. The project Lao PDR will help the government achieve its rural electrification target of 90% of villages electrified by 2020.
The project will also facilitate the development of economic activities along the East–West Corridor. The transmission system built by the project will connect with the Electricité de Viet Nam (EVN) system in the central provinces of Viet Nam; thus, strengthening the power exchanges between the Lao PDR and Viet Nam.
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34 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) Cross-Border Projects (Submitted to the GMS Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee [RPTCC]) 12. PRC–Lao PDR–Thailand The project aims to supply electricity to Thailand from the 2014–2019 600.0–800.0 High 500 kV Interconnection PRC. Preliminary studies have been undertaken, such as 200.0 (PRC) a joint feasibility study to assess the project’s technical 200.0 (LAO) Participating Countries: and economic viability, a study on ownership models 200.0 (THA) PRC, Lao PDR, Thailand and on the principles of benefit sharing, and a study on technical alternatives. Also included are the conduct of project preparation; detailed engineering; the construction of the transmission line, including substations; and possibly the distribution of components. 13. Viet Nam–PRC 500 kV The project aims to construct a double-circuit 500 kV After 2020 400.0–600.0 Low Power Interconnection high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line from 200.0 (PRC) Viet Nam’s border with Yunnan Province (PRC) to Soc Son 200.0 (VIE) Participating Countries: (Viet Nam), along with a direct current converter station, PRC, Viet Nam substations, and 220 kV transmission lines. It will also provide capacity building for EVN staff. This project will enable the importation of low-cost power from the PRC to meet the load growth in northern Viet Nam, strengthen high voltage power transmission, and provide reliable and improved-quality power supplies to all types of users. The feasibility study is under consideration by EVN and China Southern Power Grid Co. (CSG). Subtotal (Investment Projects) 3,192.0
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline ofEnergy: Potential Investment Projects: Projects Energy | 35 II. Technical Assistance Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Source Low/Not a Priority) 1. Support to RPTCC in This supports the reaching of a clear basis for regional market 2013–2015 1.5 High Completion of Performance rules comprising agreed rules and agreed indicative planning of Standards, Grid Codes, interconnections. This should result in a more functional regional Market Rules, and market with genuine exchanges of electricity, leading to an Subregional Transmission improved reliability and quality of power supply, and lower costs. Expansion Plan This is a critical project, and should be well resourced. It Participating Countries: All would be best organized around a full-time (or nearly full- GMS Countries time) consultant with substantial access to short-term experts for specific tasks and capacity building. National experts should be seconded under national funding. Office space and administration are assumed to come under another budget. An initial support for 5 years would be appropriate to provide continuity, and should begin as soon as feasible. 2. Scoping Study on the Future This is specified in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations To be confirmed 1.0 Low of the Trans-ASEAN Gas (ASEAN) Master Plan on Connectivity, and aims to contribute Pipeline (TAGP) to ASEAN’s energy security. The study will lead to an agreed concept for deployment of the TAGP in the future, with critical Participating Countries: All investments identified. GMS Countries This is a wide-ranging project that needs strong cooperation with the ASEAN Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE). It should be steered by a national committee of experts, and executed by a small part-time team of national experts, but also include funds for short-term studies on strategic issues (shale gas and coal bed methane [CBM] prospects, future liquefied natural gas [LNG] markets, carbon capture and storage [CCS], storage options, the role of gas as a backup for renewables, and future gas demand). Four meetings over 2 years will be sufficient. The budget must include the participation of ASCOPE experts. 3. Deployment of Coherent This will involve preparing national renewable energy action 2016–2018 1.0 High Renewable Energy Action plans according to a common format, with stronger and better Plans Across the Subregion targeted actions to promote renewable energy. This is strongly consistent with the new GMS strategy’s principle of moving from information sharing to decision making. Continued on next page
36 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Source Low/Not a Priority) Participating Countries: All This project is predicated on the supposition that the GMS Countries Subregional Energy Forum (SEF) can act as a technical advisory body to policy makers, proposing policies that can support regional activities. It can be executed by a team of high-level national experts (supported by international and regional consultants) that reviews progress in renewable energy across the subregion; conducts benchmarking; proposes aggressive targets, stronger policies, and subregional convergence; and, where feasible, identifies financial support (e.g., the Clean Development Mechanism [CDM] and post-Kyoto mechanisms). It should be an ongoing project funded in the first instance for 3 years. 4. Development of Coherent This will involve preparing national energy-efficiency action 2017–2019 1.0 High Energy-Efficiency Action Plans plans according to a common format, with stronger and better- Across the Subregion targeted actions to promote energy efficiency.
Participating Countries: All This project is predicated on the supposition that the SEF can GMS Countries act as a technical advisory body to policy makers, proposing policies that can support regional activities. It can be executed by a team of high-level national experts (supported by international and regional consultants) that reviews progress in energy efficiency across the subregion; conducts benchmarking; and proposes aggressive targets, stronger policies, and subregional convergence; and, where feasible, identifies financial support (e.g., CDM and post-Kyoto mechanisms). It should be an ongoing project funded in the first instance for 3 years. Continued on next page
Regional Investment Framework Energy:Pipeline Technical of Potential Assistance Projects: Projects Energy | 37 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Source Low/Not a Priority) 5. Provision of Continuing This will create a secretariat that would support the SEF through 2014–2018 1.0 High Institutional Support for the position papers, analysis, proposals for communication to Subregional Energy Forum political institutions, dialogue with donors, and monitoring. It will (SEF) also promote improved design, finance, and management of SEF energy sector programs. Participating Countries: All GMS Countries The total cost of the studies envisaged is about $10 million over 5–6 years. It is scarcely feasible that the SEF could manage the activities effectively without full-time administrative support. The costs of administrative support would depend on whether activities were located within the GMS Environment Operations Center (EOC) or the Regional Power Coordination Center (RPCC), or in an independent institution. In the first case, the initial staffing would need a senior administrator with some junior support. 6. Development of GMS The project will help set up the RPCC, and build the capacity 2014–2016 3.0 High Coordination Center for of national and subregional bodies that will work with the Regional Power Trade RPCC in implementing and overseeing cross-border power exchanges, coordinating regional power planning, and Participating Countries: All developing transmission facilities of regional importance through GMS Countries (i) technical and equipment support and staffing; (ii) training of staff; and (iii) support for specific studies (e.g., on tariff structures, operational standards, etc.) and activities (e.g., power planning, database maintenance, etc.). 7. GMS: Renewable Energy This will support follow-up activities from the Phase I regional 2014–2016 2.0 High Development (Phase 2) technical assistance (RETA). It will include further propagation and preparation of policy manuals based on the pilot results Participating Countries: All of Phase I, covering GMS-appropriate practices in renewable GMS Countries energy and cleaner fuel promotion, continuation of knowledge sharing and training, and laying the groundwork for investment projects in renewable energy. Continued on next page
38 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Source Low/Not a Priority) 8. Facilitating Regional Power The TA will support efforts of the RPTCC to forge agreements 2014–2016 1.0 High Trading and Environmentally among GMS countries on the technical, institutional, and Sustainable Development of operational aspects of the GMS Regional Power Market, and Electricity Infrastructure in the ensure that these comply with environmental sustainability GMS (Phase 2) requirements.
Participating Countries: All GMS Countries Subtotal (TA Projects) 11.5 Total 3,203.5
ASCOPE = ASEAN Council on Petroleum; ASEAN = Association of Southeast Asian Nations; BOT = build-operate-transfer; CAM = Cambodia; CBM = coal bed methane; CCS = carbon capture and storage; CDM = Clean Development Mechanism; PRC = People’s Republic of China; CSG = China Southern Power Grid Co.; EdL = Electricité du Laos; EOC = Environment Operations Center; EVN = Electricité de Viet Nam; EWEC = East-West Economic Corridor; GMS = Greater Mekong Subregion; GWh = gigawatt-hour(s); HVDC = high-voltage direct-current; km = kilometer(s); kV = kilovolt(s) kWh = kilowatt-hour(s); LAO = Lao PDR; Lao PDR = Lao People’s Democratic Republic; LNG = liquefied natural gas; MW = megawatt(s); MYA = Myanmar; PPP = public-private partnership; RETA = regional technical assistance; RPCC = Regional Power Coordination Center; RPTCC = Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (GMS); SEF = Subregional Energy Forum; T&D = transmission and distribution; TA = technical assistance; TAGP =Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline; THA = Thailand; TWh = terawatt-hour(s); VIE = Viet Nam.
Regional Investment Framework Energy:Pipeline Technical of Potential Assistance Projects: Projects Energy | 39
Agriculture
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects: Agriculture | 41 I. Investment Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 1. Climate Friendly Agri-Business The project promotes activities under pillars 2 and 3 of the 2015 250.0 High Value Chains in the Greater Core Agriculture Support Program (CASP) II on climate-friendly Mekong Subregion (GMS) agriculture and bioenergy. The project will invest in climate- friendly pro-poor agri-business value chain development in the Participating Countries: All GMS. It will focus on creation of Agribusiness Centers (ABCs) GMS Countries near GMS corridor towns and rural growth clusters to effectively link farming communities and urban centers along the corridors by developing upstream and downstream linkages.
Key infrastructure investments will include (i) efficient roads that provide access to markets; (ii) renewable and bio-- energy systems that can meet growing energy needs of rural communities and ABCs; and (iii) efficient storage, processing and aggregation, grading, and marketing and logistics infrastructure to ensure the delivery of safe and quality food products.
The project will promote public-private partnerships (PPPs) and private sector investments in agribusiness, focusing on high-value products produced by smallholder farmers. It will establish backward and forward linkages with the corridor-town investments to leverage the advantages of consolidation, lower input costs, and efficient value chain management. 2. Biosafety, Transboundary The project promotes activities under pillars 1 and 2 of CASP II. 2016 200.0 High Diseases Control and Invasive It will invest in infrastructure, and regional capacity building for Species Prevention biosafety, and in controls of transboundary animal diseases and invasive species. Participating Countries: All GMS Countries Key investments include (i) the establishment of regional infrastructure for diagnostics, research, vaccine production and quality control; (ii) the strengthening of regional and national capacity for transboundary disease and pest identification, also for traceability and monitoring; and (iii) the strengthening and harmonization of regional policies, regulations, and standards related to disease and pest control and biosafety.
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42 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) The project will promote PPPs and private sector investments. The project may consider establishing animal- epidemic- disease monitoring stations in border areas, on-site training, a cross-border animal-epidemic-disease monitoring network, a diagnostic laboratory, and training courses to improve the diagnostic and prevention capability of technicians in the GMS countries. 3. Enhancing Regional This project promotes activities under Pillar 1 of CASP II 2018 200.0 High Competitiveness on Food concerning food safety and agricultural trade modernization to Safety, Quality and Market promote GMS corridors as regional hubs for safe agri-food trade Access for Smallholders development.
Participating Countries: All Key investments include: (i) infrastructure development for GMS Countries enhancing cross-border agri-trade logistics including agro- processing and cold storage; (ii) the strengthening of regional information technology (IT)-based traceability and certification systems to improve food safety and food quality; (iii) capacity development; and (iv) the strengthening of relevant policies, regulations, and standards.
The project will promote PPPs and private sector investments focusing on promoting the GMS as a regional hub for efficient cross-border trade and regional sourcing. It will do so by (i) reducing cross-border transporting and processing time and costs for agri-food products; (ii) promoting the harmonization of food safety standards, practices, and regional certification and accreditation systems, (particularly group-based certification systems) to create better market access for smallholders; and (iii) promoting private sector-led cross-border contract farming.
4. Agri-Tourism Value Chains The project will support activities under Pillar 2 of CASP II 2019 250.0 High Development concerning climate-friendly agriculture by promoting agri-tourism as a supplementary livelihood for small producers. The project Participating Countries: All will invest in (i) cross-border rural infrastructure, including the GMS Countries upgrading of access roads and related amenities in agri-tourism sites, and (ii) regional capacity building and supporting systems to promote regional agri-tourism as a business. Continued on next page
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline ofAgriculture: Potential Projects:Investment Agriculture Projects | 43 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 5. Enhancing Food Security The project will promote PPPs and private sector investments in 2020 350.0 High by Building Resilient Food activities related to agri-tourism. Innovative financing modalities Production System in the GMS will be explored.
Participating Countries: All The project promotes activities under Pillars 2 and 3 of CASP GMS Countries II. It will invest in green and pro-poor agricultural production systems to mitigate increased risks of rapid weather-pattern shifts and disruptions to water availability.
Key investments will include (i) the building of infrastructure related to food production systems for corridor towns; (ii) promotion of water, soil, and nutrient management, including conservation farming, payment for environmental services, and carbon financing; and (iii) capacity development for scaling-up climate-resilient food production .
The project will promote PPPs and private sector investments in green technologies and practices for a resilient food production system, focusing on improving productivity and nutritional quality.
Subtotal (Investment Projects) 1,250.0
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44 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) II. Technical Assistance Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 1. Climate-Friendly Agri-Business The regional project preparatory technical assistance (R-PPTA) 2014 2.5 High Value Chains in the GMS will help design the proposed investment project. ($1.5 million from the Asia Clean Participating Countries: All Energy Fund, and an GMS Countries additional funding source yet to be identified) 2. Biosafety, Transboundary The R-PPTA will help design the proposed investment project 2014 2.5 High Disease Control, and Invasive which involves the prevention and control at the regional level of (Cost to be adjusted Plant Species Prevention in transboundary animal diseases and invasive plant species. based on the number the GMS. of participating This regional technical assistance will also include funds to help countries) Participating Countries: All strengthen regional capacity to promote bio-safety and control GMS Countries of transboundary animal diseases and invasive plant species. 3. Enhancing Competitiveness The R-PPTA will help design the proposed investment project to 2016 2.5 and Trade Facilitation of Agri- enhance the competitiveness and facilitation of trade in agri- (Cost to be adjusted Food Products in the GMS food products in the GMS. based on the number of participating Participating Countries: All countries) GMS Countries 4. Agri-Tourism Value Chain The R-PPTA will help design the proposed investment project to 2017 2.5 Development develop agri-tourism in the GMS region. (Cost to be adjusted based on the number Participating Countries: All of participating GMS Countries countries)
5. Enhancing Food Security by The R-PPTA will help design the proposed investment project to 2018 2.5 Building a Resilient Food build a resilient food production system that will enhance food (Cost to be adjusted Production System in the GMS security in the GMS. based on the number of participating Participating Countries: All countries) GMS Countries
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Regional Investment Framework Agriculture:Pipeline of PotentialTechnical Projects:Assistance Agriculture Projects | 45 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 6. Implementing the Greater Additional financing of the Regional Policy and Advisory 2014 2.5 Mekong Subregion Core Technical Assistance (R-PATA) 8163 will complement the (PRC Fund, CEFPF) Agriculture Support Program activities of CASP II. Potential funding from the Clean Energy (CASP): Phase II Financing Partnership Fund (CEFPF) will be used to support Pillar 3 of CASP II on bioenergy development. The People’s Republic Participating Countries: All of China Regional Cooperation and Poverty Reduction Fund (PRC GMS Countries Fund) will be tapped to enhance the Agriculture Information Network Service (AINS) as geographic information system (GIS)- based e-trade and knowledge platform. Other funding sources will also be pursued. 7. Strengthening Regional The regional technical assistance will support the strengthening 2015 2.0 Weather-Based Risk Insurance of regional capacity for implementing a weather-based insurance (Cost to be adjusted in the GMS model to reduce risk from natural disasters in the GMS. based on the number of participating Participating Countries: All This regional technical assistance will directly respond to CASP countries) GMS Countries II’s goal of establishing a weather-based insurance system. 8. Enhancing Implementation This will be a follow-up project to the ongoing R-PATA 8163. 2016 8.0 of CASP Phase II (including The proposed regional technical assistance will ensure the the Development of CASP sustainability the R-PATA 8163, and will strengthen institutional Phase III) arrangements for regional cooperation in the agriculture . sector by supporting the Secretariat of the Working Group on Participating Countries: All Agriculture and by developing CASP Phase III. GMS Countries Subtotal (TA Projects) 25.0 Total 1,275.0
ADB = Asian Development Bank; CASP = Core Agriculture Support Program; GMS = Greater Mekong Subregion; PRC = People’s Republic of China; R-PATA = regional policy and advisory technical assistance; R-PPTA = regional project preparatory technical assistance.
46 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Environment
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects: Environment | 47 I. Investment Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 1. Global Environment Fund The program aims to enhance biodiversity and forest 2014 20.0 High (GEF) Regional Biodiversity and conservation in GMS trans-boundary landscapes. Forestry Program Interventions will focus on the following four areas: Participating Countries: All (i) increasing the capacity of GMS countries to manage trans- Greater Mekong Subregion boundary landscapes, (GMS) Countries (ii) strengthening protected area management, (iii) promoting ecosystem-based climate change adaptation, and (iv) developing innovative conservation financing. 2. Trans-Boundary Biodiversity The aim is to scale up biodiversity corridors in selected critical 2016 60.0 High Landscape Management landscapes of Guangxi, Yunnan, and Thailand, building on (20.0 per landscape) in Mekong Headwaters, the experience of the Core Environment Program (CEP) pilot Sino-Vietnamese Limestone projects. Mountains, and Tenasserim Mountains Interventions will focus on the following three areas: (i) protection and rehabilitation to maintain the connectivity Participating Countries: and integrity of key ecosystems, People’s Republic of China (ii) intensification of gender- and minority-sensitive livelihood (PRC), Thailand, Viet Nam activities, and (iii) organizational and institutional capacity development. 3. Low-Carbon Forestry in GMS This project will achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation 2016 120.0 High Economic Corridors through carbon sequestration and sustainable forest management (SFM) in suitable sections of GMS economic corridors. Participating Countries: Lao People’s Democratic Republic Sustainable forest management interventions will focus on the (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand following three areas: (i) strengthening forest protection, restoration, and reforestation (REDD+), (ii) incentivizing local communities to protect forest areas, and (iii) developing alternative livelihoods based on sustainable timber and non-timber forest product (NTFP) utilization.
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48 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Environment: Investment Projects continued
Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 4. Enhancing Community This project aims to build the competitiveness and resilience 2017 100.0 Medium Competitiveness and of communities living in trans-boundary biodiversity landscapes Resilience through Ecosystem- and corridors. Based Approaches Supply chain interventions will develop pro-poor green products Participating Countries: through three project components: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam (i) strengthening of certification and accreditation systems for ecosystem products, (ii) skill development for value addition in NTFP supply chains, and (iii) market development for NTFPs and ecotourism.
Climate-change adaptation interventions will include four components: (i) improving natural resource management (including forest and water management), (ii) implementing livelihood-diversification strategies, (iii) strengthening disaster-risk preparedness, and (iv) investing in risk financing for communities and livelihoods. 5. Low-Carbon Freight Corridors This project aims to reduce GHGs from freight transport by 2017 60.0 High developing financial mechanisms to upgrade fleet technologies Participating Countries: Lao and renew fleets. PDR, Viet Nam The interventions will include three components: (i) development of financing for small and medium-sized enterprises in the road transport sector (revolving funds, credit lines) to increase access to low-carbon technologies for trucks; (ii) driver training and capacity building for eco-driving and safety; and (iii) development of national logistics-management systems to reduce empty running.
Subtotal (Investment Projects) 360.0 Continued on next page
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline ofEnvironment: Potential Projects: Investment Environment Projects | 49 II. Technical Assistance Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 1. Core Environment Program Core Environment Program (CEP) Phase II aims to consolidate 2013–2016 7.6 High and Biodiversity Conservation the achievements of Phase I. Corridor Initiative Phase II 5.3 Regional Technical Assistance CEP Phase II has four components: (Nordic Development (RETA) – Additional Funding (i) improved environmental planning systems, methods, and Fund [NDF]) safeguards; 1.0 Participating Countries: All (ii) improved management of trans-boundary biodiversity (GEF) GMS Countries conservation landscapes and enhanced local livelihoods; 0.5 (iii) developed climate-resilient and low-carbon strategies; and (The People’s (iv) strengthened institutions and financing for sustainable Republic of China environmental management. Regional Cooperation and Poverty The project may consider suggestions for scaling up Reduction Fund [PRC the integration of environmental planning, biodiversity Fund]) conservation, and climate-resilience measures; and for 0.5 strengthening environmental cooperation among GMS (ADB e-ASIA and countries. Knowledge Transfer Fund) 0.3 (Government of the Republic of Korea) 2. Core Environment Program To ensure that national institutional capacity is prepared for the 2016 1.0 High and Biodiversity Conservation implementation of CEP Phase III, the supplemental funding will: Corridor Initiative Phase II – (i) strengthen the role and capacity of the national support Supplemental units (NSUs) so they can become local centers of excellence, and Participating Countries: All (ii) increase NSU staff and financial resources to enable the GMS Countries delivery of an increased number of activities. Continued on next page
50 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 3. Core Environment Program CEP Phase III aims to scale up CEP Phase II activities and 2017–2022 35.0 High and Biodiversity Conservation transform the GMS Environment Operations Center (EOC) into a Corridor Initiative Phase III country-owned network of centers of excellence. (RETA) The center’s roles will include: Participating Countries: All (i) regional knowledge center and information hub, GMS Countries (ii) service center for multisector planning and investment decisions, and (iii) incubator for innovations in the field of sustainable growth and environmental management. 4. Low-Carbon Forestry in GMS This regional preparatory TA will assess the technical, financial, 2015 1.0 High Economic Corridors, Regional and institutional feasibility of SFM interventions and carbon- Project Preparatory TA sequestration measures to achieve GHG mitigation in target sections of GMS economic corridors. Participating Countries: Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand 5. Enhancing Community This regional preparatory TA will assess the technical, 2015 1.0 High Competitiveness and financial, and institutional feasibility of investing in ecosystem- Resilience through Ecosystem- based interventions in support of climate-resilient livelihood Based Approaches development.
Participating Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam 6. Low-Carbon Freight Corridors This regional preparatory TA will assess the technical, financial, 2016 1.0 High and institutional feasibility of reducing GHG emissions from Participating Countries: freight transport through investments in cleaner technology and Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, logistics management. Viet Nam Continued on next page
Regional Investment Framework Environment:Pipeline of Potential Technical Projects: Assistance Environment Projects | 51 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 7. Enhancing Rural Environmental Relevant technologies will be used to improve rural waste 2013–2016 1.0 Medium Governance in the GMS management in areas rich in biodiversity. This project will focus on piloting waste and sewage management within a cluster of Participating Countries: villages that lie within a single administrative authority, providing Cambodia, PRC, Lao PDR, the opportunity to develop an administratively integrated Myanmar, Viet Nam approach that is environmentally and socially sustainable, as well as economically viable, by realizing the market value of waste products. The project will primarily focus on awareness raising, capacity building, monitoring, and on developing the conditions necessary for the replication of this experience.
Proposed activities include: (i) the identification of a suitable demonstration site that meets the project concept criteria; (ii) development of a waste-management strategy and action plan; (iii) implementation of the waste-management strategy and action plan in a village cluster, in partnership with the local administrative authority; (iv) implementation of a participatory monitoring system; and the establishment of a knowledge hub to share and exchange information.
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52 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/Not a Priority) 8. Establishing Environmentally The project is designed to address environmental challenges in 2015–2017 1.0 Medium Sustainable City Partnerships the process of urban development by setting up a partnership in the GMS between selected GMS cities that wish and/or need to achieve environmental sustainability. The partnership will serve as Participating Countries: All a platform for sharing sustainable urbanization-oriented GMS Countries information, knowledge and technology, a network to build up national capacities for developing environmentally sustainable cities, and a framework for concerted actions to achieve urbanization with environmental sustainability.
Potential activities include: (i) establishing an environmentally sustainable city partnership among selected cities in GMS countries; (ii) setting up a knowledge network and organizing policy seminars and/or technical workshops regularly; (iii) building an exchange and training mechanism; and (iv) carrying out pilot projects to demonstrate strategies, approaches, and technologies for shaping environmentally sustainable cities. Subtotal (TA Projects) 48.6 Total 408.6
ADB = Asian Development Bank; CEP = Core Environment Program; PRC = People’s Republic of China; PRC Fund = People’s Republic of China Regional Cooperation and Poverty Reduction Fund; EOC = Environment Operations Center; GEF = Global Environment Fund; GHG = greenhouse gas; GMS = Greater Mekong Subregion; Lao PDR = Lao People’s Democratic Republic; NSU = national support unit; NTFP = non-timber forest product; REDD+ = Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation “plus” includes conservation and sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks; RETA = regional technical assistance; SFM = sustainable forest management; TA = technical assistance.
Regional Investment Framework Environment:Pipeline of Potential Technical Projects: Assistance Environment Projects | 53
Human Resource Development
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects: Human Resource Development | 55 I. Investment Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/Low/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Not a Priority) 1 Cooperation and Development The project will support the development of Savannakhet 2015–2021 66.0 High of Higher Education in the University in the Lao PDR, and the University of Battambang Economic Corridors in Cambodia which are strategically located in the economic 40.0 corridors of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The (Asian Development Participating Countries: Lao objective is to produce human resources for meeting the Bank [ADB]), People’s Democratic Republic emerging needs of businesses and industries along the 6.0 (Gov’ts) (Lao PDR)1, Cambodia2 economic corridors. Areas for support include governance and 20.0 ( TBD)3 management, facilities development, laboratory equipment, curriculum and syllabus development, faculty and student 2014 (LAO) 44.0 ( LAO)4 development and exchanges, and research capacity and cooperation. The project will also develop and strengthen 2015 (CAM) 22.0 (CAM) networking among universities located along the economic corridors in Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Special attention will be given to the adoption of quality assurance and credit transfer systems (CTSs) which will be harmonized with the support of the proposed regional technical assistance (TA) for Implementing the GMS Human Resource Development (HRD) Strategic Framework and Action Plan (SFAP), 2013-2017 (Phase 2), so that the quality and connectivity of universities in the GMS will be improved. 2 GMS Communicable Disease The project will (i) improve the surveillance, risk assessment, 2016–2022 60.0 High Control Project (Phase 3) and response capacity in Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam; (ii) support cross-border cooperation for 54.0 (ADB) Participating Countries: communicable disease control with the People’s Republic of 3.6 (World Health Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, China (PRC) and Thailand; (iii) enhance regional food and drug Organization [WHO]/ Viet Nam safety; and (iv) help mitigate the impact of climate change on Australia) communicable diseases. 2.4 (Gov’ts)
13.5 (CAM) 13.5 (LAO) 16.5 (MYA) 16.5 (VIE)
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56 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/Low/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Not a Priority) 3 GMS Technical and Vocational This project will develop skilled labor by strengthening formal 2014–2021 155.4 High Education and Training (TVET) and non-formal TVET institutions, adopting competency-based Development training modules, and promoting public-private partnerships in 90.0 (ADB) skills development in Cambodia, the PRC, the Lao PDR, and 45.4 (Gov’ts) Participating Countries: Myanmar. The focus will include skill areas in hospitality and 20.0 (TBD) Cambodia5, PRC6, Lao PDR7, tourism; and/or logistics and marketing in the GMS. The project Myanmar8 will also help TVET institutions deliver high-quality training in strategic locations along the economic corridors. The project will 2014 (CAM) 22.0 (CAM) have a framework for the mutual recognition of technical and 2014 (PRC) 89.4 (PRC) vocational skills and a system for the mutual recognition of TVET teacher training standards in the GMS which will be developed 2016 or 2017 22.0 (LAO) with the support of the proposed regional technical assistance (LAO) for Implementing the GMS HRD SFAP, 2013-2017 (Phase 2). 2014–2015 22.0 (MYA) The project will also support the development of curricula and (MYA) TVET staff training according to regional standards. Subtotal (Investment Projects) 281.4
II. Technical Assistance Projects
Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/ Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 1. Implementing the The regional TA will support the implementation of the HRD 2013–2017 2.25 High GMS Human Resource action plan including meetings of the Working Group on Human Development Strategic Resource Development (WGHRD) and its subgroups and will 0.25 (ADB) Framework and Action Plan, provide funding for some initiatives, including the following 2.0 (TBD) Phase II9 activities:
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Regional Investment Framework Pipeline ofHuman Potential Resource Projects: Development: Human Resource Investment Development Projects | 57 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/ Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) • Strengthening national • This activity will support country-level implementation implementation and of the SFAP by national HRD working groups, including monitoring of the SFAP the development of national action plans, monitoring and annual reporting to the WGHRD on progress in Participating Countries: All implementation. GMS Countries • Review of GMS capacity • This activity will review overall GMS program capacity- building activities building needs, including the capacity-building needs of other sectors, and capacity building resources. It will also Participating Countries: All involve the development of a long-term strategy and plan GMS Countries to match GMS capacity-building resources with needs.
• Development and piloting of • This activity will build on earlier work to develop technical a framework for the mutual skills and qualifications recognition frameworks for three recognition of technical and skills in Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam. vocational skills in the GMS This TA will develop GMS technical and vocational skills and (Phase 2) qualifications recognition frameworks for three additional skills that are most critical for the development of the Participating Countries: economic corridors. It is proposed that the activity be Cambodia, Lao PDR, managed by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam • Development of a system • The activity will support South-South cooperation to for the mutual recognition develop a system for the mutual recognition of teacher- of TVET teacher training training standards for TVET teachers in at least three key standards skill areas of greatest importance for the development of the economic corridors and to maximize opportunities for Participating Countries: female employment and participation. It is proposed that Cambodia, Lao PDR, this activity be managed by the ILO. Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam
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58 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/ Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) • GMS higher education • Based on the achievements in 2012 (Phase 1), this harmonization and activity will further support a process that builds country networking (Phase 2) and stakeholder capacity in quality assurance and develops common credit transfer systems (CTS) in GMS Participating Countries: universities. This activity will focus on (i) strengthening the Cambodia, Lao PDR, quality assurance capacity, both internal and external, in Myanmar Cambodia, the Lao PDR and Myanmar in collaboration with the ASEAN University Network (AUN), UNESCO, and other regional organizations, (ii) providing GMS countries with options for harmonizing existing university CTSs in a few selected fields to ensure applicability throughout Southeast Asia, and (iii) promoting GMS university networking in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization–Regional Centre for Higher Education and Development (SEAMEO-RIHED). • Support the establishment • The activity will support efforts (particularly South-South of a GMS knowledge cooperation) to develop GMS capacity for high-quality platform analytic work on issues related to GMS integration, particularly those related to the development of the Participating Countries: All economic corridors. The activity will include a web-based GMS Countries platform that will be established by the PRC to serve as gateway for exchanging and sharing regional knowledge, experience, and lessons learned for the purpose of identifying a medium- and long-term common research agenda. • GMS Regional Food and • The activity will review existing food and drug safety Drugs Safety Assessment regulations and the implementation of quality-assurance and Plan systems; and will propose a plan for regional collaboration to improve food and drug safety with an emphasis on Participating Countries: minimum regional standards and safe trading. It is Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet proposed that this activity be managed by the World Health Nam Organization in close collaboration with ASEAN and the GMS Working Group on Agriculture.
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Regional Investment Framework HumanPipeline Resource of Potential Development: Projects: Human Technical Resource Assistance Development Projects | 59 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/ Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) • Improving the flow of • The activity will build on previous successful pilot work on information to cross-border labor awareness campaign for potential migrant workers in labor migrants in sending three districts in Cambodia and the Lao PDR. The coverage countries (Phase 2) will be expanded to include more districts in Cambodia, the Lao PDR, and Myanmar. A strengthened monitoring Participating Countries: and evaluation component is also included in the outputs. Cambodia, Lao PDR, In addition, this activity will address gender issues related Myanmar to safe migration and the prevention of human trafficking within its approach. This activity will be managed by the International Organization for Migration. • Improving access of cross- • The activity will review the current access of migrant border migrant workers to workers and their dependents to basic social services in the basic social services and receiving countries, identify issues, and propose solutions, enhancing social protection highlighting specific problems relevant to men and women. for migrant workers Support will be provided to GMS governments to implement the agreed-upon actions. Participating Countries: All GMS Countries • Monitoring implementation • This activity will monitor implementation of the of the Memorandum of Memorandum of Understanding in the GMS signatory Understanding for Joint countries. Action to Reduce HIV Vulnerability Associated with Population Movement in the GMS
Participating Countries: All GMS Countries • Support for anti-human • This activity will support enhanced mainstreaming of trafficking initiatives human-trafficking and safe- migration concerns, and will also support an enhanced regional policy dialogue and Participating Countries: All partnerships on these topics. GMS Countries
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60 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/ Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) • Social impact assessments • This activity will conduct social impact assessments in in specific locations along selected locations along the economic corridors, focusing the economic corridors on such vulnerable groups as women, children, youth, and ethnic minorities. The findings will be used to improve Participating Countries: All current and future projects along the GMS economic GMS Countries corridors. • Building the intellectual • This activity will support the ASEAN University Network capital for an “ASEAN (AUN) in developing the capacity to offer locally adapted Studies” Course “ASEAN Studies” courses in Cambodia, the Lao PDR and Myanmar. Workshops will be conducted in each country to Participating Countries: train 30-50 academic staff and young government officials Cambodia, Lao PDR, to serve as instructors. Myanmar 2. Improving the Access of The project will review the current access of migrant workers 2014–2017 0.8 High Cross-border Migrant Workers and their dependents to basic social services in the receiving to Basic Social Services and countries; identify issues and propose solutions, highlighting Enhancing Social Protection specific problems relevant to men and women. Support will be for Migrant Workers10 provided to GMS governments to implement the agreed-upon actions. Participating Countries: All GMS Countries 3. Extension of the Technical It is proposed that this TA be managed by the ILO. 2015–2017 0.5 High Skills and Qualifications Recognition Frameworks to Additional Skills Most Critical for the Development of the Economic Corridors11
Participating Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam
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Regional Investment Framework HumanPipeline Resource of Potential Development: Projects: Human Technical Resource Assistance Development Projects | 61 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/ Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 4. Development of Standard The TA will support South--South cooperation to develop 2014–2015 0.2 High Learning Materials for TVET12 standard learning materials (including e-learning materials) for TVET in at least three skill areas that are most important for Participating Countries: the development of the economic corridors and to maximize Cambodia, Lao PDR, opportunities for female employment and participation. It is Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam proposed that this TA be managed by the ILO.
5. Facilitating Subregional In collaboration with UNESCO, the TA will support subregional 2016–2017 0.2 Medium Cooperation in Establishing cooperation in at least six TVET institutions in the economic Quality Assurance Systems in corridors so as to strengthen their quality-assurance TVET13 mechanisms leading to the development of a Regional Qualification Framework. Participating Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam 6. Regional Capacity This TA will examine impact of climate and environmental 2014–2016 4.0 High Development for change on health in the GMS, improve mitigation strategies, TBD (LAO) Strengthening Resilience to pilot adaptation activities, and improve impact monitoring and (Nordic Development Climate Change in the Health information sharing. Fund [NDF]) Sector in the GMS14
Participating Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam 7. Health Impact Assessment This TA will support assessments of the health impacts 2013–2014 0.2 High of Developments in the GMS of economic corridor development, building on an earlier Economic Corridors15 assessment of the health impacts of water-and-sanitation and road-transport-sector investments. Participating Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar
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62 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/ Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 8. Capacity Building in Labor The TA will train immigration officials and labor attachés in 2014-2015 0.3 High Migration Management16 Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam. Training will integrate and address specific vulnerabilities of men Participating Countries: and women. The TA will be managed by the International Cambodia, Lao DPR, Organization for Migration. Myanmar, Viet Nam
9. GMS Youth Forum The GMS Youth Forum is a series of events and activities held 2014 0.2 High during the run-up to the triennial GMS Leaders’ Summits. The Participating Countries: All objectives are (i) to raise awareness about the GMS Program GMS Countries and its processes among the region’s young people (aged 20 to 30) through learning events and first-hand experiences; and (ii) to instill a sense of GMS community among the next generation of thinkers and decision-makers. 10 Cooperation and Development The project will support the development of Savannakhet 2014-2017 1.8 High in Higher Education in the University in Lao PDR and the University of Battambang in Economic Corridors Cambodia which are strategically located in the economic 2014 (LAO) 1.0 (LAO) corridors of the GMS. The objective is to produce human (ADB) Participating Countries: Lao resources for meeting emerging needs of businesses and PDR17, Cambodia18 industries along the economic corridors. Areas for support 2015 (CAM) 0.8 (CAM) include governance and management, facilities development, (TBD) laboratory equipment, curriculum and syllabus development, faculty and student development and exchanges, research capacity and cooperation. The project will also develop and strengthen networking of universities located along the economic corridors in Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Special attention will be given to adopt quality assurance and credit transfer systems which will be harmonized with the support under the proposed regional technical assistance for Implementing the GMS HRD SFAP, 2013-2017 (Phase 2), so that the quality and connectivity of universities in the GMS will be improved.
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Regional Investment Framework HumanPipeline Resource of Potential Development: Projects: Human Technical Resource Assistance Development Projects | 63 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/ Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 11. GMS Communicable Diseases The project preparatory technical assistance will support the 2015–2016 0.8 High Control Project (Phase 3) preparation of projects which will (i) improve the surveillance, (ADB) risk-assessment, and response capacity in Cambodia, the Participating Countries: Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam; (ii) support cross-border Cambodia, Lao PDR, cooperation for communicable disease control with the PRC and Myanmar, Viet Nam Thailand; (iii) enhance regional food and drug safety; and (iv) help mitigate the impact of climate change on communicable diseases. 12. GMS TVET Development The project preparatory technical assistances will support 2014–2018 3.1 High the preparation of projects which will develop skilled labor by Participating Countries: strengthening formal and nonformal TVET institutions, adopting 2014–2015 1.2 (CAM) Cambodia19, PRC20, competency-based training modules, and promoting public- (CAM) (ADB) Lao PDR21, Myanmar22 -private partnerships in skills development in Cambodia, the PRC, the Lao PDR, and Myanmar. The focus will include skill 2013 (PRC) 0.5 (PRC) areas in hospitality and tourism, and/or logistics and marketing, (ADB) in the GMS. The project will also help TVET institutions deliver high-quality training in strategic locations along the economic 2014–2015 0.7 (LAO) corridors. The project will have a framework for the mutual (LAO) (ADB) recognition of technical and vocational skills and a system for the mutual recognition of TVET teacher training standards in the TBD (MYA) 0.7 (MYA) GMS which will be developed with the support of the proposed (TBD) regional technical assistance for Implementing the GMS HRD SFAP, 2013-2017 (Phase 2). The project will also support the development of curricula and TVET staff training according to regional standards. Subtotal (TA Projects) 14.3 Total 295.7
ADB = Asian Development Bank; ASEAN = Association of Southeast Asian Nations; CAM = Cambodia, GMS = Greater Mekong Subregion; Gov’ts = governments; HRD = human resource development; LAO = Lao People’s Democratic Republic; PRC = People’s Republic of China; MYA = Myanmar; SFAP = GMS Human Resource Development Strategic Framework and Action Plan; TA = technical assistance; TBD = to be determined; TVET = technical and vocational education and training
64 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) 1 National project: “LAO: Higher Education Development Project” with regional component/link. 2 National project: “CAM: Higher Education Development Project” with regional component/link. 3 TBD = to be determined. 4 The codes for the GMS countries are as follows: CAM = Cambodia; PRC = the People’s Republic of China; LAO = the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the Lao PDR); MYA = Myanmar; THA = Thailand; and VIE = Viet Nam. 5 National project: CAM: “Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training Project II” with regional component/link. 6 National (provincial) project: PRC: “Guangxi Baise Vocational Education Development Project” with regional component/link. 7 National project: LAO: “Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training Project II” with regional component/link. 8 National project: MYA: “Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training Project” with regional component/link. 9 PRC and Thailand are interested to participate in some activities in terms of sharing knowledge (e.g., workshops and conferences). 10 $ 0.2 from ADB regional policy and advisory technical assistance for Implementing GMS HRD SFAP 2013-2017 is also allocated for this activity. 11 PRC is interested to participate in terms of sharing knowledge (e.g., workshops/conferences). 12 See footnote 9 13 See footnote 9. 14 See footnote 9. 15 See footnote 9. 16 PRC would like to join the design of the training and provide experienced trainer.. 17 National project: “LAO: Higher Education Development Project” with regional component/link. 18 National project: “CAM: Higher Education Development Project” with regional component/link. 19 National project: CAM: “Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training Project II” with regional component/link. 20 National (provincial) project: PRC: “Guanxi Baise Vocational Education Development Project” with regional component/link. 21 National project: LAO: “Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training Project II” with regional component/link. 22 National project: MYA: “Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training Project” with regional component/link.
Regional Investment Framework HumanPipeline Resource of Potential Development: Projects: Human Technical Resource Assistance Development Projects | 65
Urban Development
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects: Urban Development | 67 I. Investment Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 1. Corridor Towns Development The proposed Second GMS Corridor Towns Development Project 2015–2022 250.0–300.0 High Project II will be implemented in six to seven towns in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam from 2015 to 2022, including activities 54.0 (CAM) Participating Countries: for institutional capacity building for the management of 49.0 (LAO) Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam public investments, livelihood support, and development 105.0 (VIE) of climate resilience. The participating GMS countries have 42.0 (TBD) requested expanded support for additional strategic towns (i.e. border towns, towns with special growth prospects like export processing zones and tourist areas). The project shall apply the following criteria for selecting the towns and cities: (i) economic growth and investment potentials; (ii) potential for cross-border trade and presence of special economic and industrial zones; (iii) potential for tourism development; and (iv) potential for public—private partnerships (PPPs) for selected public investments. The project will be more innovative, with its orientation toward green growth and climate resilience, and activities that will encourage the private sector to take part in the selected public investments. The expected impact of the project is that corridor towns will become centers of economic activity in the GMS economic corridors. The outcome will be improved urban infrastructure that supports economic linkages, strengthens the green-growth potentials of participating GMS towns and corridors, and enhances the climate resilience of the towns and corridors. 2. Corridor Towns Development The Third GMS Corridor Towns Development Project will expand 2016–2022 80.0 High Project III the geographical scope and include Myanmar. Key investments will be in urban environmental infrastructure, economic Participating Country: Myanmar infrastructure and logistics. The emphasis of investments will be on strengthening towns that have intensive cross-border economic activity, cross-border tourism, industrial development (e.g., export- processing zones), and have a high potential for private sector investments and PPPs. Aspects of inclusive and green growth will be prioritized. Continued on next page
68 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 3. Corridor Towns Development The proposed Fourth GMS Corridor Towns Development Project 2018–2025 250.0–300.0 High Project IV will be implemented in towns in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam from 2018 to 2025. Participating Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam Subtotal (Investment Projects) 580.0
II. Technical Assistance Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 1. Corridor Towns Development The project preparatory technical assistance (PPTA) will 2013 2.0 High Project II formulate the second GMS Corridor Towns Development Project. The proposed subprojects will include studies of their feasibility, 1.5 Participating Countries: and all safeguard requirements will be assessed. The PPTA will (Technical assistance Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam help participating towns to consolidate their urban planning and special fund [TASF]) investment plans into a Strategic Local Economic Development Plan, and the PPTA will prepare capacity development and 0.5 training plans for the local or provincial authorities involved. (The People’s The PPTAs will provide assistance in identifying potential private Republic of China sector investment projects through build-operate-transfer (BOT), Regional Cooperation build-own-operate (BOO) or other concession arrangements. and Poverty Reduction Fund [PRC Fund])
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Regional Investment Framework UrbanPipeline Development: of Potential Projects:Technical UrbanAssistance Development Projects | 69 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 2. Corridor Towns Development The PPTA will formulate the third GMS Corridor Towns 2014–2016 1.5 High Project III Development Project. The proposed subprojects will include studies of their feasibility, and all safeguard requirements will Participating Country: Myanmar be assessed. The PPTA will help the participating towns to consolidate their urban planning and investment plans into a Strategic Local Economic Development Plan, and the PPTA will prepare capacity development and training plans for the local or provincial authorities involved. The PPTAs will provide assistance in identifying potential private sector investment projects through BOT, BOO, or other concession arrangements. 3. Strengthening Urban Planning The capacity development technical assistance (CDTA) will 2014–2017 1.5 High in the GMS Corridor Towns support GMS countries in their preparation of strategic urban Development Project development plans, which will help them to maximize their current and future potentials, and open the opportunity for a Participating Countries: broad stakeholder-based planning process. The CDTA will work Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam, with national, provincial, and local authorities; and it will aim Myanmar to establish a sustainable mechanism for planning support to national, provincial and local authorities through national-level capacity-development institutions. 4. Cross-Border Economic Zones This is a CDTA with pre-feasibility study of pilot cross-border 2015–2017 1.5 High Development economic zone development, particularly of those involving urban infrastructure. Participating Countries: All GMS Countries 5. Corridor Towns Development The PPTA will formulate the Fourth GMS Corridor Towns 2016–2018 2.0 High Project IV Development Project. The proposed subprojects will include studies of their feasibility, and all safeguard requirements will be Participating Countries: assessed. Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam Subtotal (TA Projects) 8.5 Total 588.5
BOO = build-own-operate; BOT = build-operate-transfer; CAM = Cambodia; CDTA = capacity development technical assistance; GMS = Greater Mekong Subregion; LAO = Lao PDR; Lao PDR = Lao People’s Democratic Republic; PPP = public-private partnership; PPTA = project preparatory technical assistance; PRC = People’s Republic of China; PRC Fund = People’s Republic of China Regional Cooperation and Poverty Reduction Fund; TA = technical assistance; TASF = Technical Assistance Special Fund; TBD = to be determined; VIE = Viet Nam.
70 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Tourism
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects: Tourism | 71 I. Investment Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 1. Greater Mekong Subregion The proposed project will accelerate inclusive economic 2014–2019 120.0 High (GMS) Tourism Infrastructure growth in targeted segments of the GMS economic corridors (ADB) for Inclusive Growth by improving tourism-related access infrastructure and 30.0 (CAM) environmental conditions in cross-border tourism centers, and 40.0 (LAO) Participating Countries: by strengthening the capacity of public and private destination- 50.0 (VIE) Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam management organizations. It will support: (i) improved last- mile tourism access infrastructure; (ii) improved environmental services in cross-border tourism centers; (iii) strengthened institutional capacity to promote and manage inclusive tourism growth; and (iv) effective project implementation and knowledge management. Project areas include contiguous segments of the Southern Coastal Corridor in Viet Nam and Cambodia; Southern Corridor in Viet Nam; Central Corridor in the Lao PDR; Eastern Corridor in northern Viet Nam and the Tri-Border Forest Biodiversity Conservation Corridor. 2. GMS Tourism Infrastructure for The project will help to complete the transformation of the 2017–2023 130.0 High Inclusive Growth II (Formerly Southern Economic Corridor into a thematic, multi-country 20.0 (CAM) Pro-Poor Tourism Development tour circuit, and to address the need to develop a model GMS 20.0 (LAO) along the Southern Economic approach for sustainable tourism development in coastal 50.0 (MYA) Corridor) marine areas. 40.0 (VIE)
Participating Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam 3. Tourism Infrastructure The project will develop tourism-related infrastructure under 2016–2022 75.0 High Development in the Green the framework of the Green Triangle Development plan. For Triangle Development Area Cambodia (Northeastern Cambodia), the project will cover tourism-related infrastructure (airport in Rattan Kiri province), Participating Countries: vocational training school, and small-scale community-based Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam tourism.
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72 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 4. Tourism Infrastructure The project will develop tourism-related infrastructure under the 2016-2022 75.0 High Development in the Emerald framework of the Emerald Triangle Development plan. Triangle Development Area
Participating Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand 5. Construction of the Sino– The project aims to develop tourism infrastructure and 2013–2022 200.0 High Vietnamese Detian-Ban supporting service facilities in the Sino–Vietnamese Detian- Gioc Waterfalls International Ban Gioc Waterfalls International Tourism Cooperation Zone, Tourism Cooperation Zone in the Northern Economic Corridor. The project includes the construction of: river ports, frontier mutual trade points, Participating Countries: highways for the Zone, water supply systems, renewed People’s Republic of China electricity-supply systems, sewage and garbage disposal (PRC), Guangxi; Viet Nam systems, and village-based development within the Detian Tourism Area.
The PRC suggests including in the project scope: the improvement of the local rural environment and ecosystem; and the construction of a tourist center, parking lots, sightseeing pathways, green roads for bicycling, a Sino-Vietnamese museum, and a center for Sino-Vietnamese intercultural communication. 6. GMS Tourism Technical and The proposed project will help improve the capacity for, and 2014–2016 50.0 High Vocational Education and effectiveness of, tourism statistical information research and Training Demonstration Project tourism human resources development in GMS countries. The proposed project will become a pilot project and a “think Participating Countries: tank” for tourism vocational education. Based on the Guilin All GMS Countries except Institute of Tourism (GIT), the project will function as a tourism Myanmar educational technological export and scientific information center, providing strong technological and human resource support for the sustainable development of the GMS, and enhancing exchanges and cooperation among tourism schools across the region.
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Regional Investment Framework Pipeline ofTourism: Potential Investment Projects: ProjectsTourism | 73 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) The PRC suggests including in the project scope: the construction of a GMS tourism vocational education park, international conference center, tourist cultural museum and R&D base for tourism commodities, laboratory to improve commercial and management abilities, and a high-quality tourist hotel. The PRC also proposes a separate but similarly titled technical assistance (TA) to include standard-setting tourism-related vocational education, the development of a database for a tourism-related vocational-education curriculum and teaching resources, educational management training, a union of regional tourism schools, and international educational exchanges and cooperation. 7. China-ASEAN Tourism Industry With the theme, “Agglomeration for ASEAN Tourism Industry 2013–2020 37.0 High Park and ASEAN Tourism Cultural Experience,” the proposed project will complement the China–ASEAN Free Trade Area Participating Country: and the competitive location of Longzhou County. It will PRC (Guangxi) create a leisure destination for international tourists, a base for the production and trade of ASEAN tourist merchandise, and a site for tourist cultural displays and innovation; and it will serve as a demonstration project for the integrated development of comprehensive tourism industry parks in the context of China–ASEAN tourism cooperation. The project will promote the production of China–ASEAN tourist crafts, international boundary landscaping, and the preparation of resort investment, a China–ASEAN agricultural garden, China– ASEAN cultural street, and China–ASEAN cultural and creative industrial center. 8. Goose Spring Scenic Area, The project aims to transform Goose Spring, the source of 2013–2015 6.6 High Jingxi County, Guangxi the famous Detian Waterfalls, into a flagship tourist attraction in Guangxi Province. Infrastructure improvements will include Participating Countries: the development of: entrance areas and gates, common PRC (Guangxi), Viet Nam areas, parking, tourist service centers, sanitation facilities, sightseeing areas, teahouses, fishing zones, walking paths, river embankments, and forest rehabilitation, solid-waste, and waste-water management facilities. Continued on next page
74 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 9. Pro-Poor Tourism Development The project will help develop sustainable, culturally and 2015–2021 20.0 High environmentally sound pro-poor tourism in Myanmar, focusing Participating Country: on the creation of business opportunities and benefits for the Myanmar poor through tourism. It will support: (i) community-based tourism development; (ii) strengthened and expanded tourism supply chains; (iii) tourism-related infrastructure (e.g., markets, arts and crafts centers); (iv) capacity building programs relating to pro-poor tourism; (v) marketing and promotion; (vi) a strengthening of the institutional environment; and (vii) capacity building for destination management.
10. Strengthening Tourism The project will aim to strengthen tourism human-resource 2014–2019 20.0 High Vocational Training Institutions development in Myanmar by establishing vocational training institutions, strengthening the capacity of teachers, and Participating Country: developing curricula and training materials that are harmonized Myanmar with ASEAN standards.
Subtotal (Investment Projects) 733.6 Continued on next page
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline ofTourism: Potential Investment Projects: ProjectsTourism | 75 II. Technical Assistance Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 1. Strengthening the Mekong The capacity development technical assistance will aim to 2013–2016 0.2 High Tourism Coordinating Office strengthen the institutional capacity of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) to support subregional tourism Participating Countries: cooperation activities as directed by the GMS Tourism Working All GMS Countries Group (TWG). The TA will strengthen knowledge management regarding sustainable tourism in the GMS; and it will boost the TWG’s subregional marketing program, which promotes thematic, multi-country tour circuits along the GMS economic corridors and in secondary destinations. 2. Preparing the GMS Tourism The TA will support the preparation of a project to help complete 2015 1.4 High Infrastructure for Inclusive the transformation of the Southern Economic Corridor into a Growth II (formerly Pro-Poor thematic, multi-country tour circuit, and will address the need Tourism Development along to develop a model GMS approach for sustainable tourism the Southern Economic development in coastal marine areas. Corridor)
Participating Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam 3. Tourism Infrastructure The TA will support the preparation of a project to develop 2015 0.7 High Development in the Green tourism-related infrastructure under the framework of the Green Triangle Development Area Triangle Development Plan.
Participating Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam 4. Tourism Infrastructure The TA will support the preparation of a project to develop 2015 0.7 High Development in the Emerald tourism-related infrastructure under the framework of the Triangle Development Area Emerald Triangle Development Plan.
Participating Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand
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76 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 5. Preparing the new GMS The TA will support the updating of the GMS Tourism Sector 2015 0.8 High Tourism Sector Strategy Strategy 2005–2015 to the GMS Tourism Sector Strategy 2016–2026 2016–2026.
Participating Countries: All GMS Countries 6. Strengthening the Coordination The TA will help strengthen the capacity of the GMS TWG 2013–2015 0.3 High of Regional Tourism Product Secretariat and the MTCO to coordinate regional product Development and Promotion in development and marketing, development partner assistance, the GMS and country-to country assistance.
Participating Countries: All GMS Countries 7. Harmonizing GMS Tourism- The TA will help the GMS countries harmonize a tourism-related 2014–2016 2.0 High Related TVET TVET standards pilot to implement select standards.
Participating Countries: All GMS Countries 8. Capacity Building Support for The project will strengthen the capacity of public officials 2014–2016 1.0 High Pro-Poor Tourism Development and private associations to facilitate the development of sustainable, culturally and environmentally sound pro-poor Participating Country: tourism and destination management. Myanmar Subtotal (TA Projects) 7.1 Total 740.7
ADB = Asian Development Bank; ASEAN = Association of Southeast Asian Nations; CAM = Cambodia; GMS = Greater Mekong Subregion; LAO = Lao PDR; Lao PDR = the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; MYA = Myanmar; PRC = the People’s Republic of China; R&D = research and development; TA = technical assistance; TVET = technical and vocational education and training; VIE = Viet Nam
Regional Investment Framework Tourism:Pipeline Technicalof Potential Assistance Projects: ProjectsTourism | 77
Transport and Trade Facilitation
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects: Transport and Trade Facilitation | 79 I. Investment Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 1. Modernization of Sanitary and The project is a follow-up to the first phase of the Greater 2016 31.5 High Phytosanitary (SPS) Agencies Mekong Subregion (GMS) SPS project for Cambodia, the Lao 21.0 (CAM) for Trade Facilitation Project PDR and Viet Nam. It will aim to further build an effective 10.5 (LAO) SPS system by introducing information technology to SPS Participating Countries: management for risk identification, risk sharing, procedural Cambodia, Lao PDR streamlining, and food safety development at the provincial level with the objective of facilitating trade and protecting health. The project may also cover strengthening of SPS agencies linkages with other trade agencies, including increased information sharing, with the objective of improving trade efficiency.
Subtotal (Investment Project) 31.5
II. Technical Assistance Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 1. Trade Facilitation through The Regional Policy and Advisory Technical Assistance (R-PATA) 2014 1.5 High Partnership with the Private outcome will be improved trade facilitation through the Sector simplification, standardization, and harmonization of customs procedures and operations in the participating countries. The outputs include: (i) a Business Perception Survey for Participating Countries: private sector stakeholders engaged in international trade Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, (e.g., industry sector, freight forwarders and trade brokers Thailand, Viet Nam in the region); (ii) the Promotion of Public—Private Sector Dialogue on Trade Facilitation through the organization of joint workshops to be participated in by private sector stakeholders, including the GMS Business Forum and representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and (iii) Capacity Building for Improved Private Sector Outreach through reviews of the current provisions and practices concerning customs’ private sector outreach and security standards, and the organizing of capacity building workshops .
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80 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 2. Strengthening Capacity As a driving force of the economic corridor’s development, 2013—2015 TBD High Building for Logistics Small SMEs, especially logistics SMEs are facing many constraints and Medium Enterprises along and bottlenecks. To transform the transport corridor into a GMS Corridors logistics corridor, the capacity of logistics SME is a key issue to be addressed. As a starting point, providing training for Participating Countries: PRC, logistics SMEs operated by minority ethnics could be a good Viet Nam start to contributing to the inclusive growth agenda in the GMS region. The train-the-trainer approach is desirable, and logistics associations could play an important role in this TA. 3. Modernization of SPS Agencies The Regional Project Preparatory Technical Assistance (R-PPTA) 2014 1.5 High for Trade Facilitation Project will prepare the follow up to the first phase of the GMS SPS project for Cambodia, and the Lao PDR; and the expasion to Participating Countries: Myanmar. It will prepare project investment components to Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar further build/strengthen an effective SPS system, by focusing on introducing information technology in SPS management for risk management and procedural streamlining in plant health, animal health and food safety in Cambodia, the Lao PDR, and Myamar. 4. Strengthening Bilateral Cross- The technical assistance will involve: 2014 2.0 High Border Trade Agreements and (i) a comprehensive review of existing bilateral policies and Coordination Mechanism agreements, and coordination mechanisms for cross- border trade; Participating Countries: All (ii) assistance for the drafting and revising of bilateral cross- GMS Countries border trade agreements (CBTAs); and (iii) facilitating bilateral negotiations for CBTAs.
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Regional Investment Framework TransportPipeline of and Potential Trade Facilitation: Projects: Transport Technical and Assistance Trade Facilitation Projects | 81 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 5. Strengthening the Cooperation The technical assistance will involve: 2014 1.0 Medium among Cambodia, Lao PDR (i) an assessment of the potentials of the Cambodia-Lao and Viet Nam in the PDR-Viet Nam (CLV) Development Triangle; Development Triangle Area (ii) the facilitation of structured dialogues among CLV countries, and between these countries and other Participating countries: stakeholders in the Development Triangle area, including Cambodia, Lao PDR, and potential investors and donors; and Viet Nam (iii) improvement of the capacity of joint coordination committees and their sub-committees by providing selective sector and/or thematic studies with policy recommendations for the central and provincial governments. 6. GMS Trade and Investment Using the official GMS website as a model, this project will 2014 2.5 High Information Service Platform establish the only official internet portal for all GMS members. The portal will be constructed with circular sectors, and the trade and economic sector will focus on economic corridors. Participating Countries: Independent and interconnected websites on areas such All GMS members as politics, economics, culture, tourism, custom clearance, investment, e-commerce, and logistics will be gradually formed.
For the next steps, technology issues, operation mode, and the business system will be completed as the economic situations in the information and industrial sectors of each GMS member develop.
The project will also include the strengthening of market information sharing among countries, which is proposed to: (i) build and improve a database on markets for key goods traded across land borders; and (ii) initiate and institutionalize information-sharing mechanisms among the entities concerned. Continued on next page
82 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 7. Commodity Fairs in GMS The annual commodity fairs in GMS countries are important 2013—2020 5.0 High Countries platforms for strengthening GMS trade cooperation. The fairs are held in GMS countries alternately. The proposed project Participating Countries: aims to support all the booth rentals for exhibitors. Selected GMS countries 8. Support for Implementing the The Cluster Regional Policy Advisory Technical Assistance is 2014—2016 4.1 High Action Plan on Transport and aimed at providing assistance in implementing the GMS Trade (Australia) Trade Facilitation in the GMS and Transport Facilitation Action Plan which was endorsed by (Subprojects 2 and 3) the 16th GMS Ministerial Conference in Ha Noi, August 2010.
Participating Countries: All The TA has the following expected outputs: GMS Countries (i) Transport Facilitation a. exchange of traffic rights (ii) Trade Facilitation a. coordinated border management b. enhanced SPS regime c. strengthened national and subregional TTF institutions d. regional trade logistics strategy (iii) Capacity Building and Regulatory Reform a. capacity development b. legal and regulatory improvements and harmonization
The TA is implemented through cluster approach, with Subproject 1 (amounting to $2 million) implemented from 2011 to 2013.
Subprojects 2 and 3, amounting to $4.1 miliion would be implemented from 2014 to 2016.
The cluster approach was adopted for the following reasons: (i) to be able to incorporate the flexibility needed for the successful TTF outcomes; and (ii) to allow fine-tuning of activities based on outcomes of preceding efforts and the evolving context of TTF initiatives as the countries implement the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint. Continued on next page
Regional Investment Framework TransportPipeline ofand Potential Trade Facilitation: Projects: Transport Technical and Assistance Trade Facilitation Projects | 83 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 9. Facilitation of the It is proposed that the assistance include the upgrading of 2014—2015 TBD High Implementation of the border equipment and facilities, the consolidation of national “Single Window/Single transport facilitation committees (NTFCs), and capacity building Stop Inspection” (SWI/ and training for concerned agencies. SSI) at the Lao Bao (Viet Nam)—Dansavanh (Lao PDR) Checkpoint
Participating Countries: Lao PDR, Viet Nam Subtotal (TA Projects) 17.6 Total 49.1
ASEAN = Association of Southeast Asian Nations; CAM = Cambodia; CBTA = cross-border trade agreement; CLV = Cambodia–Lao PDR–Viet Nam; EWEC = East–West Economic Corridor; GMS = Greater Mekong Subregion; LAO = Lao PDR; Lao PDR = Lao People’s Democratic Republic; NTFC = national transport facilitation committee; PRC = People’s Republic of China; R-PPTA = regional project preparatory technical assistance; SMEs = small and medium-sized enterprises; SPS = sanitary and phytosanitary; SSI = single-stop inspection; SWI = single-window inspection; TA = technical assistance; TBD = to be determined.
84 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Information and Communications Technology
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects: Information and Communications Technology | 85 I. Investment Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 1. Greater Mekong Subregion This project involves the addition of six backbone transmission TBD 58.5 – Information Superhighway links to the backbone transmission network of GMS-IS (GMS-IS) Phase II in Cambodia Phase I, mainly targeting remote areas of Cambodia, to promote universal service and reduce the digital gap; and the Participating Countries: construction of the next-generation core switching network Cambodia, People’s Republic based on the soft switch, to improve the telecommunications of China (PRC) infrastructure and competitiveness of Cambodia.
2. Time-Division Long- In June 2011, at the GMS information and communications 2013 5.0 Term Evolution (TD-LTE) technology (ICT) Ministerial Meeting, the Ministry of Industry Demonstration Network in and Information Technology (MIIT) of the PRC and the Ministry the Lao People’s Democratic of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) of the Lao PDR signed Republic (Lao PDR) the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Continuing with Demonstration Projects of Applicable Communication Participating Countries: PRC, Technologies in Rural Areas. Private sector in PRC and Lao PDR Lao PDR preliminarily intend to cooperate with each other in building a TD-LTE demonstration network in Vientiane, in the Lao PDR, to provide high-speed mobile data services for promoting communications development in rural areas and reducing the digital gap. 3. GMS-IS Phase II in Myanmar This project includes: (i) the nationwide construction of a TBD 500.0 backbone fiber-optic transmission network and of a backbone Participating Countries: PRC, microwave transmission network in Myanmar, to improve its Myanmar communications infrastructure and transmission capacity; (ii) construction of a next-generation internet-protocol (IP) core switching network; (iii) expansion of mobile communication network construction and coverage to promote mobile communications development in Myanmar; and (iv) assistance to telecom operators for the development of a general business applications network to promote all-round information technology (IT) applications in Myanmar.
Subtotal (Investment Projects): 563.5
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86 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) II. Technical Assistance Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 1. Broadband Development Broadband is the cornerstone of national development. 2013–2014 10.0 Strategies and Implementation The United Nations defines its new broadband objective Programs of the GMS as “20 megabits per second (Mbps) access at $20 per person by 2020.” This project aims to provide suggestions Participating Countries: All and decision-making references to GMS governments and GMS Countries enterprises concerning participation in broadband development by analyzing their national broadband development status, identifying problems and development needs, establishing GMS broadband development goals, and setting major tasks and key construction projects.
2. Training in Mobile Internet Content includes network construction and operation, 2013–2015 10.0 Technologies and Applications business development, and sector-specific applications of the in the GMS mobile internet to introduce the latest global-development and business-deployment strategies to telecommunications Participating Countries: All regulatory bodies and mobile internet enterprises in all the GMS Countries GMS countries; and to discuss the ways to promote mobile internet development in the whole region.
3. Training in Broadband Network Broadband information network plays a leading role in 2013–2015 10.0 Construction in the GMS promoting IT development and in accelerating economic and social transformation in all countries. In the 2015 ASEAN Participating Countries: All ICT Master Plan, the broadband corridor has been listed GMS Countries as an important infrastructure project that seeks to bring interconnection into the GMS region. This project aims to promote the construction of a GMS broadband corridor and the common development of broadband networks in all GMS countries by providing training in the methods and programs of broadband network construction, fiber-optic access technologies, industrial policies, and other areas.
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Regional Investment Framework InformationPipeline of Potentialand Communications Projects: Information Technology: and Technical Communications Assistance Technology Projects | 87 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 4 Training New-Generation IT This project serves as a critical measure to implement the 2013–2015 15.0 Talent in the GMS GMS ICT development strategies, and to promote the industrial development of ICT in the GMS, by cultivating talent in such Participating Countries: All areas as mobile internet, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud GMS Countries computing, and TD-LTE in GMS countries through training, and through boosting the application of new technologies in these areas.
5. Workshops on E-Commerce Joint organization with related Chinese internet value-added 2013–2015 10.0 Cooperation and Exchanges in enterprises to conduct exchanges on e-commerce solutions GMS and typical cases, with a view to implementing the MoU on the Joint Cooperation in Further Accelerating the Construction of Participating Countries: All the Information Superhighway and its Application in the GMS, GMS Countries promoting pilot programs involving electronic applications in cross-border and domestic projects of member countries, boosting e-commerce development in GMS, and providing favorable conditions for those value-added enterprises to expand their presence in the GMS markets. 6. Training in New ICT The project focuses on training in new ICT technologies; 2013–2015 10.0 Technologies and Businesses applications; and future development in cable broadband in the GMS communications, mobile broadband communications, mobile internet, and e-commerce, among other areas—for Cambodia, Participating Countries: All Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. The objective is to GMS Countries implement the action plans in the MoU on Joint Cooperation in Further Accelerating the Construction of the Information Continued on next page Superhighway, and its Application in the GMS and GMS ICT development strategies. Subtotal (TA Projects) 65.0 Total 628.5
ASEAN = Association of Southeast Asian Nations; PRC = People’s Republic of China; GMS = Greater Mekong Subregion; GMS-IS = Greater Mekong Subregion–Information Superhighway; ICT = information and communications technology; IoT = Internet of Things; IT = information technology; Lao PDR = Lao People’s Democratic Republic; MIIT = Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (PRC); MPT = Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (Lao PDR); MoU = memorandum of understanding; TA = technical assistance; TBD = to be determined; TD-LTE = time-division long-term evolution
88 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Other Multisector/ Cross-Border Economic Zones
Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects: Other Multisector/Cross-Border Economic Zones | 89 I. Investment Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) OTHERS 1. Joint PRC—Viet Nam Cross- This will cover three CBEZs located at the PRC-Viet Nam 2015–2020 150.0 High Border Economic Zones borders as follows: (i) Pingxiang (Guangxi Province, PRC) (CBEZs) and Dong Dang (Lang Son Province, Viet Nam); (ii) Dongxing (Guangxi) and Mong Cai (Quang Ninh Province, Viet Nam); and Participating Countries: (iii) Longbang-Baise (Guangxi, PRC) and Tra Linh (Cao Bang PRC, Viet Nam Province, Viet Nam).
The descriptions for the CBEZ components are as follows: (i) Pingxiang-Dong Dang. The planned area is 17 square kilometers (km2), with the PRC and Viet Nam each allocating 8.5 km2. The PRC section is constructed based on the Guangxi Pingxiang Comprehensive Bonded Zone which was approved by the State Council. The CBEZ is a pilot cross-border cooperation zone under the framework of China-ASEAN free trade agreement. It is also an important economic zone situated in a node city of GMS economic corridor, which will contribute to the transformation of a transportation corridor into an economic corridor and serve economic development along the corridor. This proposed project is intended to support the second phase of infrastructure construction of the PRC section. (ii) Dongxing- Mong Cai. This CBEZ is located at the PRC—Viet Nam border, to be connected by the Second International Bridge of Beilun River which is about to be constructed. The planned PRC section includes 971.85 hectares, and Viet Nam plans to allocate an area as large as the PRC section for this zone. This CBEZ will be built as an experimental zone to deepen PRC—Viet Nam cooperation, and is a priority project of the Dongxing National Experimental Zone of Development and Opening- Up. This CBEZ is also an important economic zone situated in a node city of the GMS economic corridor that will contribute to the transformation of a transportation corridor into an economic corridor and serve the economic development along the corridor. This proposed project is intended to support the infrastructure construction of the Chinese section. Continued on next page 90 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022) Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) (iii) Longbang-Baise-Tra Linh. The exact location is to be determined. This proposed project includes the preparation of a Chinese feasibility study and the infrastructure construction of the zone. 2. PRC and Thailand Industrial The setting up of this joint industrial park, straddling both 2013–2015 TBD Park Cooperation territories will contribute to PRC-Thailand industrial cooperation. The proposed project will support: (i) infrastructure construction Participating Countries: in the cooperation zones; (ii) the planning of subsequent PRC, Thailand construction in the cooperation zones; and (iii) publications and investment invitations relating to the cooperation zones. 3. Construction of a Phnom Penh The project will be the first package of development in the 2014 60.0 High New Port Special Economic Phnom Penh New Port SEZ. It is proposed to involve an of Zone (SEZ) area of 143 hectares, in which 106 is for long term lease to manufacturers, 3.0 ha for apartments and shops, 2.7 ha for a Participating country: Cambodia logistic center and the remaining for service facilities. This pilot package is intended to induce further SEZ developments (more than 600 hectares) that will attract private sector investments. Subtotal (Investment Projects) 210.0
II. Technical Assistance Projects Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 1. Capacity Building for Cross This TA covers the Mohan (PRC)—Boten (Lao PDR) and Ruili 2014–2016 2.0 High Border Economic Zones (PRC)-Muse (Myanmar) CBEZs. (CBEZs) In line with the CBEZ construction, the project provides training Participating countries: PRC, in language capacity, professional qualifications for government Lao PDR, Myanmar officials, as well as training to enhance the ability to utilize the free trade area and preferential agreements to improve the competitiveness. Continued on next page
Regional Investment Framework OtherPipeline Multisector/Cross-Border of Potential Projects: Other Economic Multisector/Cross-Border Zones: Technical Assistance Economic Projects Zones | 91 Cost Estimate ($ million) Priority Project Title/ Indicative and Potential (High/Medium/ No. Country Coverage Brief Description Timeline Funding Sources Low/ Not a Priority) 2. Joint Feasibility Study of the The proposed project aims to support the conduct of a joint 2013–2014 2.0 High PRC and Viet Nam CBEZs feasibility study report. It is a follow-up on the ongoing TA for Developing Cross-Border Economic Zones between PRC and Participating Countries: Viet Nam, supported by ADB. PRC, Viet Nam The TA covers the study’s development of specific recommendations on CBEZs operational policies and regulations as well as appropriate institutional arrangements agreeable to the PRC and Viet Nam. 3. Research on Nanning- Beginning in Nanning, the Nanning—Singapore Economic 2013–2015 4.2 High Singapore Economic Corridor Corridor passes through seven countries, including the PRC, transportation and business Viet Nam, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia, and planning ends in Singapore. The Nanning—Singapore Economic Corridor could influence Myanmar through GMS West—East Economic Participating Countries: Corridor. Though the Nanning—Singapore Economic Corridor GMS countries has transportation capacity, the transportation infrastructure is not good enough, and economic development along the corridor is still insufficient.
The proposed project aims to study the status of the Corridor’s transportation infrastructure and the challenges facing the Corridor and to propose layout planning and key projects for the Corridor. The research will also generate suggestions regarding the planning of the business environment and transition from a transportation corridor into an economic corridor. 4. Feasibility Study for Thakhek The Thakhek SEZ is located near the Third Mekong Lao-Thai 2013–2015 1.5 High Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Friendship Bridge and has potential of becoming a logistics center by taking advantage of its location. The TA can support Participating countries: the Governments in studying the potential and developing Lao PDR, Thailand strategy to realize its potentials as well as facilitating flows of goods and services within the country and among GMS countries. Subtotal (TA Projects) 9.7 Total 219.7
ASEAN = Association of Southeast Asian Nations; CBEZ = cross-border economic zones; GMS = Greater Mekong Subregion; ha = hectares; km2 = square kilometers; Lao PDR = Lao People’s Democratic Republic; PRC = People’s Republic of China; SEZ = special economic zone; TA = technical assistance; TBD = to be determined.
92 | GMS Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022)
The Regional Investment Framework (RIF) puts into operation the new Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Program Strategic Framework (GMS-SF) (2012–2022) that was approved at the 4th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in December 2011. The RIF translates the strategic directions of the GMS-SF into a pipeline of investment and technical assistance projects for the third decade of the GMS Program, from 2013 to 2022. The RIF covers a wide range of sectors including transport, energy, environment, agriculture, human resource development, information and communication technology, tourism, transport and trade facilitation, and urban development.
As a comprehensive, forward-looking and strategic framework, the RIF embodies the collective aspiration of the GMS countries to expand and deepen their cooperation program in the coming Greater Mekong Subregion decade. The RIF will also remain a living framework that will be regularly reviewed and updated to maintain its relevance and responsiveness as a planning tool for subregional initiatives in an ever- dynamic GMS. Economic Cooperation Program Regional Investment Framework Pipeline of Potential Projects (2013–2022)
Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic 10-11 December 2013